Asiata the latest target for Bulldogs

THE Bulldogs signing spree is set to continue with John Asiata on the verge of becoming Canterbury’s latest recruit.

Having already snared the likes of Josh Addo-Carr and Matt Burton in the club’s biggest-ever spending splurge, the Bulldogs are now close to adding the ball-playing Broncos big man to what should be a finalscontending roster.

The Bulldogs have gone as far as requesting a medical and could come to terms with Asiata as soon as next week.

Arguably the most versatile forward in the game, having played NRL games as a prop and halfback, Asiata’s move from the Cowboys to the Broncos has been crushed by injury.

The 28-year-old was forced to undergo neck surgery earlier this year following a sickening head knock with Rabbitohs forward Mark Nicholls.

Out for the remainder of the season and off-contract at the end of the year, there were fears that the injury could end his 139game career.

But Asiata (pictured) will join a new forward pack that will include Tevita Pangai Jr and Paul Vaughan should the Bulldogs be satisfied the former Cowboy’s neck has fully healed.

Sources close to Asiata said the forward’s neck surgery was a success and that the Tongan international would be fully fit to play next year.

Phil Gould has added his weight and expertise to rounding out the 2022 roster.

“We’ve had a lot of discussions on our recruitment and retention, it’s a moving wheel,” Canterbury chairman John Khoury said this month.

“I don’t think there’s many clubs that approach the number of players we’ve got offcontract, so that’s one of the biggest priorities right away for Gus and our football department.

“It goes without saying, he’s a game-changer in that scenario.

“It’s one of his biggest attractions in bringing him in. The relationships he’s got right across the NRL, from junior pathways, managers, other clubs and the NRL too, he’s such an asset.”