Bulldogs set to seal Leilua deal

The questions are always asked how can certain clubs keep signing players under the cap. While this bloke is not high profile, he certainly will come with a decent contract. Would he be a replacement just one for one with T Rex who has been shown the door?

Has Dessie slipped in the coaching ranks where he is looking to having steam rollers as his primary team tactics?

By The Mole

August 27, 2017

THE BULLDOGS pack looks set to get a whole lot bigger with the club on the verge of signing impressive Dragons rookie Luciano Leilua.

The 20-year-old monster has shown promise in limited minutes in his three NRL outings and his likely departure will anger already irate Dragons fans.

The younger brother of Raiders centre Joey Leilua is rated a real prospect and has been in the Bulldogs’ sights for some time.

The 120 kg wrecking ball has been a rare bright spot in an otherwise dour season for the Red V, with the young forward averaging 45 metres and 15 tackles in just 21 minutes on the field.

After impressing in his debut against the Broncos, Leilua has a right to be frustrated at by his drop in minutes recently despite consistently putting in a strong performance off the bench.

The Dragons have had a horrible time with recruitment and retention in recent years having lost the likes Brett Morris, Trent Merrin and Jack Bird. They have also missed out on acquiring Cooper Cronk, Luke Keary, Lachlan Coote and Jarryd Hayne.

Leilua’s impending arrival at Belmore will force out former Kangaroo prop Tony Williams. It is believed the second-rower has already been told by Des Hasler that he will not be offered a new deal next season

Replies

Outrunna August 27, 2016 at 10:15am

He looms like a great frontrower. I think he would look awesome in our pack
- CP > Outrunna August 27, 2016 at 10:27am
  
  Absolutely agree, from what I have seen he is a wrecking ball. Would have worked well under BA.
CP August 27, 2016 at 10:26am

I don't think he's asking for much money, just a chance for more minutes. With Sam Perett and Kurtis Rona leaving there would be some cash there. Leilua if he can get a bit fitter will be a he'll of a forward, hes got some real good hands.
luk3_182 August 27, 2016 at 11:12am

Dogs need better halves. Whats the point in getting ANOTHER massive forward if the game plan still hasnt won you a comp yet?? They would have one of if not the biggest pack in the league. I guess their running with the 'bigger the better' game plan.
- colin hussey > luk3_182 August 27, 2016 at 12:19pm
  
  Would make Kasiano a starting prop with the Pom, who is replaced by his current mate, & Lulo would replace Kasiano, huge rolling plays, to pumple the opposition, no need for creativity just barges
the Eggman August 27, 2016 at 12:22pm

Maybe they have asked Greenberg advice on how the dogs manage their cap and TPAs....oh hang on?
- josh jones > the Eggman August 27, 2016 at 12:42pm
  
  Yup. Also bet Roberts didn't pay 1cent of that 20k fine. At very leas if Norman n Pearce get 2months plus suspension then he shoulda got a week. NRL is run by muppets.
R Robbo August 27, 2016 at 1:20pm

Lol they can keep signing big boppers. Ain't gonna win you a comp, specially with interchange rules changing. Their halves are rubbish. More than happy to see them
Go down the path they are taking
eels_brad August 27, 2016 at 3:32pm

Leilua would be on more than $150-$200k, he is still a squad player. Given Williams is on $400k+ and is not be re-signed that's not much at all
Pauly Pauly August 27, 2016 at 4:36pm

Des hasler won something at manly with champion players. Came to the bulldogs who always seems to get a lucky tun in finals.....
Most overated coach in NRL....
He doesnt coach or have any tactics, he just defends and hoped opposition have a bad game