Kieran Foran and Aaron Woods have assured Bulldogs chairman Ray Dib they will be at the club next year despite Canterbury axing Des Hasler after a miserable season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Even though their contracts have only been provisionally registered, Foran and Woods are expected to be at Belmore in 2018 after Dib spoke to the duo in the wake of the latest upheaval at the family club.
Foran, in particular, was lured to the blue and whites largely on the proviso of reuniting with Hasler, but according to Dib has told the club he has no plans on reneging on his deal.
Dib, who said the club would have "no liabilities" over a payout for Hasler, who led the Bulldogs to two grand final appearances in his six years in charge, reassured Canterbury fans their marquee signings would lead a revival next year.
Asked about Foran and Woods, Dib told the Bulldogs' website: "We keep in constant dialogue and contact.
"I've just spoken to them not long ago and advised them of the direction of the club and they're looking forward to wearing the blue and white colours next year."
The Bulldogs are understood to still need to shed one player from their roster to be salary cap compliant in 2018 despite releasing skipper James Graham from his contract a year early. Graham has joined the Dragons on a three-year deal.
The non-arrival of either Foran or Woods could solve that issue, but Dib is convinced both will be at the club next year.
What isn't as clear is the amount the Bulldogs will need to pay out Hasler - if anything - after he signed a two-year extension in April.
Dib maintained it was a non-binding heads of agreement and was adamant Hasler's sacking wouldn't disturb the Bulldogs' bottom line.
"Des' current contract expires in October 2017," Dib said. "The board has made a decision not to renew that contract and going forward there will be no liabilities on the club for the next two years.
"It's always a tough decision, especially when you have a high-profile coach that has been at the club for six years and got us to two grand final appearances. But like I said earlier, the time is right for change.
"Our first instance was to sort out our current situation with our coach and then the next step is to look for the best replacement. We're going to open it up and we're going to look for the best possible person."
The Bulldogs are without a head coach, chief executive and captain at the moment. Rugby League World Cup boss Andrew Hill will take over as chief executive in December.
