Done deal: Warriors snare Bulldogs star (unofficial according to Dallin)

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https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-2021-dallin-watenezelezniak-signs-with-new-zealand-warriors-sport-confidential/news-story/296c55d9bcda7d6b339f15e370f70af0

Done deal: Warriors snare Bulldogs star (unofficial according to Dallin)​

The NRL transfer market continues apace with the New Zealand Warriors finding an immediate replacement for Ken Maumalo.

The Warriors have landed Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and now they want Matt Lodge and Gareth Widdop to join the team immediately.
Watene-Zelezniak’s mid-season move from Canterbury also paves the way for the Bulldogs to make a play for outgoing Cronulla halfback Shaun Johnson from next season.

The Bulldogs met Johnson’s agent recently and are expected to make a decision by next week if they are going to pursue the experienced half to partner Matt Burton. Johnson’s asking price has dropped significantly and could be around the $500,000 mark.

The Bulldogs have money to play with after Watene-Zelezniak was released 18 months early with his deal worth about $850,000 next season.

Watene-Zelezniak, a former Kiwi Test skipper, is expected to join the Warriors for the next 3½ years. With Watene-Zelezniak signing as a direct replacement for Ken Maumalo, who joined the Tigers this week, the Warriors are now moving to secure Lodge and Widdop before the August 1 trade deadline.

 

[Captain Ibis]

I don't have the full article as I am not a subscriber to the daily filth.

This is good for both parties.. he is pretty like for like with Ken as far as meters goes, and he will score more tries for them than he has for us. It sucks that we're paying for some of the contract but I think we'd of struggled to move him on otherwise.

 

[boxer]

It’s good news, I’m pretty sure this means we have a player coming soon.

 

[Captain Ibis]

It’s good news, I’m pretty sure this means we have a player coming soon.

I think so.. they were pretty keen to get the deal done asap

 

[BomberBurton]

We taking Dragons rejects perhaps?

 

[spiritofaslan]

Fox Sports had published an article as well, and then pulled it and instead referenced this from DWZ on his Instagram stories.

 

[Captain Ibis]

He said the talks are on-going but nothing official as yet, and that he won't be at the Dogs to despite wanting to stay

 

[spiritofaslan]

 

[BomberBurton]

Considering the clip, I wonder if DWZ's manager will sue DT for defamation!
I also wonder if the Dogs will keep DWZ, if he renegotiates next years contract to a reduced rate.

 

[spiritofaslan]

Upon watching it again, it's almost like he was still deep in negotiation with nothing confirmed, and someones let the cat out of the bag.

Certainly did seem like an awkward scenario, and he wanted to clarify things immediately.

 

[Captain Ibis]

probably working on the fine details of the contract.. I feel sorry for the guy because although he could stand his ground given that he'd like to stay, he is looking to move on and get on with things

 

[BomberBurton]

All good points and why I feel for the guy.