Canterbury Bulldogs have added to their outside back stocks, signing highly rated Newcastle Knights and NSW Cup star fullback Connor Votano.
Votano's agency, Titans Sports Management, confirmed the signing on Instagram on Wednesday, revealing the fullback signed a two-year deal until the end of 2028.
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Details of the signing were first reported by The Daily Telegraph and ESPN in July this year.
This will see the 20-year-old join the Bulldogs in 2027.
He began his junior career at The Entrance Tigers before progressing through the Newcastle Knights' development pathways.
Votano quickly established himself as one of the club's most promising talents, claiming the Kurt Gidley Medal as the Knights' Harold Matthews Cup Player of the Year in 2023.
In 2024, his rise continued as he represented New South Wales in the Under-19s State of Origin match.
Ahead of the 2025 season, Votano was elevated to the Knights' full-time NRL roster and made his NRL debut in round 24 against the North Queensland Cowboys.
The fullback finished with 98 running metres, three tackles and a tackle break.
It was reported at the time that he was looking to join the Bulldogs for two reasons.
One, due to the club seeing him as part of their long-term plans and two, seeing a better opportunity to earn a full-time starting role at the Belmore-based club.
Kalyn Ponga signed an extension with the club until 2030, with Fletcher Sharpe and Fletcher Hunt showcasing their ability when they have played the position.
The 20-year-old has been able to negotiate with rival clubs since last season and is best known for his athleticism, game awareness and finishing ability.
He missed seven games from round 3 to round 9 earlier this season after sustaining a hamstring injury.
The fullback has scored six tries this season, kicked 51 goals at 67.1%, made 15 try assists, had 49 tackle breaks and averages 128 running metres per game.
Votano made 15 appearances this season in the NSW Cup for the Knights, helping the club reach 3rd on the ladder and defeat the North Sydney Bears 26-20 in the first week of the finals.
Newcastle's NSW Cup side will play the Panthers, who claimed the minor premiership, on Saturday evening at Leichhardt Oval, where both sides hope to advance.
