BULLDOGS CONTINUE SPENDING SPREE AS SHARKS SET TO ENTER RACE FOR IN-DEMAND FORWARD

With the signing of Cronulla Sharks fullback Connor Tracey, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have added their tenth player for the 2024 campaign.

Along with Blake Taaffe, Drew Hutchison, and Kurt Mann, Tracey is yet another utility added to the Bulldogs roster.

After an injury kept Will Kennedy out of the game for a long while in 2023, Tracey saw more action with the Sharks. In order to give their stock greater depth, the Bulldogs signed him to a three-year contract.

The Bulldogs have been spending heavily in the off-season, and David Riccio of The Daily Telegraph is skeptical about how everything will come together before their 2024 opening round matchup.

“It will be intriguing to observe which team emerges victorious in the first round,” Riccio stated on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

The amount of possibilities you could think of is astounding.

Nobody could possibly nail the 1-17 Bulldogs side for Round 1 in my opinion.

“With all the options coach Cameron Ciraldo has right now, it’s not feasible.

“Connor Tracey is a nice addition, but I’m not sure where he will play or fit in with the Bulldogs 17,” the author said.

“This Canterbury team is much stronger than it was last season, and it’s extra depth.”

The Sharks now have more cap space thanks to Tracey’s trade to the Bulldogs and playmaker Matt Moylan’s Super League departure to the Leigh Leopards.

Riccio predicted that after Addin Fonua-Blake’s contract expires at the end of the 2024 season, Cronulla will likely enter the Addin Fonua-Blake sweepstakes.

“Moylan and Tracey’s combined pay was approximately $750,000,” Riccio continued.

“The Sharks could use an enforcer, and they will begin to participate in the Fonua-Blake discussions.”

It remains to be seen if the Sharks are prepared to make a $1 million offer.

Two weeks ago, they did not have the flexibility that they have now.

“It wouldn’t be prudent of them to overlook Fonua-Blake’s option.”

In Round 1, the Bulldogs take on Parramatta, while the Sharks take on the Warriors.