Eight stray Dogs as Barrett cleans kennel

A ROSTER overhaul is in full swing at Canterbury and will allow the struggling club to go after some of the game’s brightest prospects, including Melbourne’s Brandon Smith and Penrith’s Matt Burton.

After a clean-out of its coaching ranks, the Bulldogs have told eight players they will not be required in 2021.

Incoming coach Trent Barrett has been busy rebuilding the club’s top 30 roster ahead of his arrival in November.

On Tuesday, the club confirmed eight players – including Aiden Tolman, Kieran Foran and local junior Marcelo Montoya – were not part of Barrett’s plans next season.

Saturday’s clash against minor premier Penrith will not only serve as a chance for the proud club to avoid the wooden spoon – and an audition in front of Barrett – but will also be the last game in Canterbury colours for Tolman, Tim Lafai and Jesse Sue.

Also moving on is playmaker Jack Cogger.

Centre Kerrod Holland announced his retirement this month and the club won’t be re-signing Norths Devils Mackay junior Isaiah Tass.

Canterbury CEO Andrew Hill said the players would always be part of the Bulldogs.

“These decisions are never easy,” Hill said.

The overhaul opens the door for the club to target the likes of Burton and Smith.

It’s also understood inquiries have been made about Harry Grant, Charlie Staines and Panthers star Stephen Crichton.

Smith is a top priority for the club, which has not had an elite hooker since Michael Ennis departed in 2014.