Former New Zealand Test captain Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is on the verge of joining the Warriors for the rest of the season.

The Daily Telegraph's Phil Rothfield reports the Bulldogs are keen to let go of the 25-year-old winger, but a deal will only be agreed with the Warriors if the Bulldogs contribute to his bulging salary.

Watene-Zelezniak has a year left on his contract and is reported to earn $800,000 next season and the Warriors hope that the Bulldogs will contribute to his wage demands.

The Kiwi international has scored five tries in nine appearances for the Bulldogs in 2021.

The Warriors are searching for a winger to replace Ken Maumalo, who has joined the Wests Tigers effective immediately.

Watene-Zelezniak joined the Bulldogs from Penrith in 2019 and has made 37 appearances across three seasons.

Canterbury's winger was linked to the Tigers before Maumalo became available to link up with Kiwi national coach Michael Maguire.

Watene-Zelezniak is the perfect fit for Nathan Brown's side as his speed and leadership are hallmarks of his game and traits Brown sees fit for the new-look Warriors.

3 COMMENTS

  1. Would happily take him asking as the bulldogs pay half of his 800k a season deal. Would be an upgrade over Maumalo and he has good leadership qualities which will be valuable when RTS leaves next season

  2. Still don’t get how this benefits the dogs in any way especially this year.. we already very minimal talent out back until next year.. only benefit I see from this is next year onwards if they are planning on replacing him with dufty or someone.. don’t think Barrett knows what he’s doing

  3. The signing of “sometime” fullbacks at 800K is insane. Barrett is not responsible for that! I have trouble getting past the amount of money paid to players who are miles away from the upper echelon. The NRL gives clubs money and they can’t help but spend it.

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