The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are on the verge of securing another crucial mid-season signing, with promising forward Finau Latu set to join the club before the June 30 transfer deadline, according to News Corp.
Currently topping the NRL ladder and firming as serious premiership contenders, the Bulldogs are bolstering their roster as they chase their first title since 2004. After successfully landing teenage playmaker Lachlan Galvin in a surprise mid-season move, the club has now turned its focus to Latu, a rising star from the St George Illawarra Dragons.
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Though Latu is under contract with the Dragons until the end of 2025, he has already committed to a long-term future with the Bulldogs, signing on from the 2026 season. However, a revised agreement could now see the 19-year-old make the switch in the coming days.
Latu rejected a lucrative three-year, $1.2 million offer from the Newcastle Knights to align with the Bulldogs’ vision. The talented lock forward has steadily risen through the ranks, making his mark in the Harold Matthews Cup and debuting in the NSW Cup last season.
A product of the Minchinbury Jets, he has been a standout in the Dragons’ development system since joining in 2022.
Dragons coach Shane Flanagan expressed frustration over the handling of Latu’s exit, citing mismanagement by the player’s representatives.
“I’m not happy about the negotiation side of it. It has been handled poorly—terribly,” Flanagan said.
“We’ve brought the young bloke up over the last few years and wanted to keep him, but we never got the opportunity.”
If the deal is finalised, Latu will become the Bulldogs’ second mid-season acquisition, underlining their aggressive approach in pursuit of the 2025 NRL Premiership.
