Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs general manager of football has confirmed four players will make the switch to Belmore for 2027.
It has been quiet in the recruitment space for the Bulldogs until Gould went to his social media on Friday to let Bulldogs fans know who will be joining the club next year.
Headlining the list is Penrith Panthers hooker Freddy Lussick, with reports suggesting he has accepted a two-year deal.
Lussick has had stints at a few NRL clubs but has yet to solidify himself as a starting hooker at the Roosters, Warriors, Panthers, while only playing two games for his time at the Dragons on loan.
He gets his biggest chance at the Bulldogs next year, offering sharp service and a deceptive running game which the Bulldogs have lacked in recent seasons.
Jesse McLean will also join the Bulldogs from Penrith after limited opportunities in the NRL side.
He is the older brother of Kiwis star Casey, with Jesse making four appearances over four years since his NRL debut in 2023.
McLean is a product of the Panthers' elite pathways system, and in 2022 he co-captained the Australian Schoolboys side and scored a match-winning double in the SG Ball Grand Final.
His leadership was further displayed after he co-captained the Under-19s NSW Blues in 2024, playing alongside Casey in a victorious representative campaign.
He will give Cameron Ciraldo some outside back depth options heading into next year following the loss of Bronson Xerri.
Knights fullback Connor Votano will make the switch down to Sydney, registering an impressive NSW Cup campaign for Newcastle in 2026.
The 20-year-old played 17 matches and scored seven tries, while also averaging 127 metres per game with 15 try assists for the year.
Votano can also slot goals with ease, kicking 56 goals during 2026.
He will push for an NRL debut for the Bulldogs in 2027.
Hooker Jaxson Allen from the Sydney Roosters will join the club for new opportunities.
The Wagga Wagga native finished the year with 13 matches and five tries in the Roosters NSW Cup side.
Allen and Votano linked up in the NSW Blues Under-19s side in 2025, combining for a try in the junior representative match.
Menawhile, Jethro Rinakima, AJ Jones, Gordon Chan Kum Tong, Jack Underhill, Logan Spinks, and Sosaia Alatini will all be elevated to the NRL Top 30 for the first time.
The new recruits will begin preseason training in November this year to prepare for the 2027 NRL season.
