Bulldogs sign four players for 2027

Canterbury Bulldogs have begun reshaping their roster for 2027, with Phil Gould confirming four new arrivals at Belmore.

The Bulldogs have a number of changes following the conclusion of the 2026 campaign, and their recruitment plans are now beginning to take shape.

Gould, who has come under fire after an underwhelming season, will hope the new additions can help secure the club finals footy next year.

Freddy Lussick and Jesse McLean will both make the move from Penrith Panthers, while Newcastle Knights fullback Connor Votano and Sydney Roosters hooker Jaxson Allen are also heading to Belmore.

Lussick is the most experienced of the four and will add another option at hooker. The 25-year-old has previously spent time with the Roosters, Warriors and Dragons before joining Penrith.

McLean, meanwhile, arrives as an outside back with plenty of pedigree at junior level. The older brother of Panthers and New Zealand star Casey McLean, he has found regular first-grade opportunities difficult to come by at Penrith.

Votano is another player with significant potential. The 20-year-old fullback enjoyed an impressive 2026 campaign in the NSW Cup, scoring seven tries and producing 15 try-assists across 17 appearances.

He has also represented New South Wales in Origin at Under-19s level and already has one NRL appearance to his name after debuting for Newcastle in 2025.

Allen will provide further competition at hooker after developing through the Roosters system. He featured 13 times in the NSW Cup during 2026, scoring five tries.

The four arrivals are not the only changes to Canterbury’s squad for next year.

Jethro Rinakama, AJ Jones, Gordon Chan Kum Tong, Jack Underhill, Logan Spinks and Sosaia Alatini are also set to move into the Bulldogs’ Top 30.

The new recruits are expected to link up with the Bulldogs when pre-season training begins in November.