Gould confirms offer to fullback; Bears newest target revealed — Whispers

Canterbury Bulldogs GM of Football Phil Gould has confirmed that the club have tabled an extension offer to a key member of their spine.

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After it was revealed on the weekend that the Bulldogs had offered fullback Connor Tracey a two-year contract extension, Gould confirmed these reports on Monday night, stating the side is now just awaiting the star’s signature.

“The offer’s gone out in the email. We’ve been talking to him for some months, there was never any doubts about us re-signing him,” Gould said on 100% Footy.

“We just had Vegas to get through and had a big preparation for the game down at Canberra. We caught up with his wife and manager last week.

“I sent an offer out on Friday so I expect to hear back very shortly.”

One of the club’s best during the opening round of their 2026 campaign, Tracey’s extension is likely to put an end to rumours linking the club to Wests Tigers star Jahream Bula.

“He’s put a lot of hard work into both sides of his game ... he’s a very underrated player but we love having him at our club,” Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo added.

“He’s trained outstanding this whole pre-season. He’s a guy who had a lot of injuries early on so there was a couple of years there when he didn’t have pre-seasons.”

BEARS’ NEWEST TARGET REVEALED

The Titans have a fight on their hands to retain an emerging star, with the Perth Bears reportedly set to make a play for the services of back rower Arama Hau.

The man who replaced David Fifita stamped his mark on the competition with a two-try display against the Dragons on Sunday, helping Josh Hannay secure his first win.

The 21-year-old previously spent the 2023 season on loan with English side Featherstone Rovers, going on to make his NRL debut in the final round of the 2024 season.

In 2025, he managed seven games but won the vacant Gold Coast back row spot under the Titans’ new coach and has been impressive since, with four 80-minute performances.

His form has caught the eye of the Beats, according to Code Sports, with Meninga hopeful of recruiting him to make the move west.

Interestingly, Meninga was involved in his recruitment at the Titans, having come through Keebra Park School.

Hau reportedly was close to signing a deal with the Bears, but is now considering remaining on the Gold Coast after finding success.

Interestingly, Hannay revealed in his post-match press conference on Sunday that Hau turned a corner in January, with Josh Patston the likely back rower until his bolter impressed.

“In the middle of January he was not in contention,” Hannay said.

“He’s a young lad and there was possibility a bit of immaturity about Arama. He probably didn’t take his craft seriously enough.

“That’s been a work-on for him and will continue to be. What he’s done is put his head down and we’re seeing the rewards.

“The challenge for him is to put a season together.”

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