Canterbury have emerged as a potential destination for Paul Vaughan as coach Trent Barrett considers throwing the sacked star a lifeline.
The Bulldogs on Sunday announced the signing of St George Illawarra fullback Matt Dufty on a one-year deal, although the club’s signing spree is far from over. Brisbane forward Tevita Pangai jnr is a target, while the Herald can reveal that Vaughan is also in Barrett’s sights.
Discussions with Vaughan’s management are only at a preliminary stage, but the Bulldogs believe they have the cap space to fit both him and Pangai into their roster.
Vaughan was sacked after police broke up a house party on his property on July 3, which was in breach of NSW COVID-19 regulations. It was Vaughan’s third behavioural strike, part of a rap sheet that included a sexting scandal from several years ago.
Vaughan was on an $800,000 contract at the Red V, but his value on the open market has reduced by at least half after being given his marching orders.
The NRL hit Vaughan with an eight-game ban, as well as a $50,000 fine, which will add a level of complexity to negotiations with potential suitors. If a club wants him for next year, they may opt to sign him immediately to ensure the suspension is served this season.
The Tigers are also in the mix for Pangai’s signature, but the joint-venture outfit could turn its attention to Vaughan should the Tongan international shift to Belmore.
The Bulldogs have already made a slew of significant signings for 2022 in the form of Dufty, Josh Addo-Carr, Matt Burton and Brent Naden.
“I think the game’s lending itself to players with X-factor at the moment and he’s certainly got that,” Barrett said of Dufty after Saturday night’s loss to the Roosters.
“Addo-Carr, Burton and Naden [have committed] and we’ve got young blokes coming through … there are some green shoots coming and there’s good things happening at the club, we’ve just got to keep punching.”
Dufty, one of the 13 Dragons players at Vaughan’s infamous BBQ, has finally resolved his future after the Dragons said he wasn’t part of their plans.
“Everyone knows what an exciting player Matt Dufty is and his record of scoring 44 tries in 79 matches is testimony to the attacking flair that he brings,” said Bulldogs chief executive Aaron Warburton.
“He is quick and elusive with valuable NRL experience, and we believe that he will be an outstanding complement to our backline for next season.
The Bulldogs on Sunday announced the signing of St George Illawarra fullback Matt Dufty on a one-year deal, although the club’s signing spree is far from over. Brisbane forward Tevita Pangai jnr is a target, while the Herald can reveal that Vaughan is also in Barrett’s sights.
Discussions with Vaughan’s management are only at a preliminary stage, but the Bulldogs believe they have the cap space to fit both him and Pangai into their roster.
Vaughan was sacked after police broke up a house party on his property on July 3, which was in breach of NSW COVID-19 regulations. It was Vaughan’s third behavioural strike, part of a rap sheet that included a sexting scandal from several years ago.
Vaughan was on an $800,000 contract at the Red V, but his value on the open market has reduced by at least half after being given his marching orders.
The NRL hit Vaughan with an eight-game ban, as well as a $50,000 fine, which will add a level of complexity to negotiations with potential suitors. If a club wants him for next year, they may opt to sign him immediately to ensure the suspension is served this season.
The Tigers are also in the mix for Pangai’s signature, but the joint-venture outfit could turn its attention to Vaughan should the Tongan international shift to Belmore.
The Bulldogs have already made a slew of significant signings for 2022 in the form of Dufty, Josh Addo-Carr, Matt Burton and Brent Naden.
“I think the game’s lending itself to players with X-factor at the moment and he’s certainly got that,” Barrett said of Dufty after Saturday night’s loss to the Roosters.
“Addo-Carr, Burton and Naden [have committed] and we’ve got young blokes coming through … there are some green shoots coming and there’s good things happening at the club, we’ve just got to keep punching.”
Dufty, one of the 13 Dragons players at Vaughan’s infamous BBQ, has finally resolved his future after the Dragons said he wasn’t part of their plans.
“Everyone knows what an exciting player Matt Dufty is and his record of scoring 44 tries in 79 matches is testimony to the attacking flair that he brings,” said Bulldogs chief executive Aaron Warburton.
“He is quick and elusive with valuable NRL experience, and we believe that he will be an outstanding complement to our backline for next season.
