Pay’s push for more local talent

New Canterbury coach Dean Pay wants more Bulldogs juniors in his top squad and he could get his wish with further player movements at the club.

At unveiling Pay (pictured) as new coach, Bulldogs chairman Ray hinted that more players could leave Belmore before next season.

Having already let local junior Josh Reynolds leave for the Wests Tigers, released Sam Kasiano to Melbourne and forced skipper James Graham to St George Illawarra thanks to salary cap pressures, it’s understood the club will need to offload at least one more player.

Greg Eastwood and both Morris brothers have been shopped to rival clubs.

While it’s unclear who will be the next to pack his bags, those details will be ironed out next week.

“Very soon, we’ll be making an announcement,” Dib said when quizzed on the salary cap.

“In the next few days hopefully we’ll be able to make an announcement that we will be compliant.”

In his first act as the new coach of the club, Pay has declared the Bulldogs will place an emphasis on local talent.

While Des Hasler was renowned for buying big names, with the likes of Kieran Foran and Aaron Woods coming to the club in 2018, Pay wants to see passionate juniors in the top grade.

“It’s vital we get our juniors coming through,” he said. “If we have our own juniors coming through, I think it means a little bit more to them. It’s really important.”

Having worked under Craig Bellamy and Ricky Stuart as an assistant, Pay replaces Hasler on a two-year-deal.

RUGBY LEAGUE: