The Bulldogs confirm the signing of Warriors backrower Josh Curran – while the patient fans in Belmore hope for a semi-final berth in 2024 after repeated years of mediocrity

Canterbury have made a notable haul in their bid to bolster their forward group, luring Josh Curran from the Warriors on a two-year deal starting next season.

The Warriors officially signed Curran from the Bulldogs on Thursday after being told he would not be re-signed beyond 2024 but could look elsewhere.

After joining the Warriors from the Sydney Roosters in mid-2019, Curran has been one of their most consistent backrowers over the past four seasons.

His signing could be crucial for Canterbury. While they have talent at half-back and full-back, they have long been lacking in strikers.

“When I first saw Josh Curran play, he looked like a bulldog to me,” said general manager Phil Gould.

The Bulldogs have signed Josh Curran from the Warriors on a two-year contract

Curran has been a standout player over the last four seasons and is considered a fan favorite at Belmore

“As soon as he was available, all we had to do was sign him.

“At 24, he clearly has his best football ahead of him.” “We are delighted to have Josh at our club.”

The Bulldogs have signed more than enough talent for 2024 to turn things around: Stephen Crichton, Blake Taaffe and Jaeman Salmon have joined the struggling club.

Bronson Xerri is also returning to the sport after a drug ban.

“Signing workhorses like Curran is exactly what we need, not overpaying strikers,” one Bulldogs fan wrote on social media.

“Kiraz, Preston, Curran and Wilson. “Our dogs have a huge future,” said another.

The striker’s arrival comes as questions continue to arise over the future of star winger Josh Addo-Carr.

The Bulldogs are adamant they will not release the representative flyer but it is understood other clubs have sniffed around the 28-year-old.

Parramatta, Newcastle and Wests Tigers are among those believed to have shown an interest in signing the winger after rumors of dissatisfaction in recent weeks.

Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould says he needs to sign Warriors star Josh Curran

The Bulldogs have spent a lot of money in recent years to turn things around at Belmore

Addo-Carr recently overturned a two-game ban he served in the Pacific Championship for his role in a Koori Knockout brawl on the grand final weekend.

The former Melbourne winger has provided some sparkling moments in his two years with the Bulldogs, scoring 27 tries in 38 games.

However, it was hampered by Canterbury’s lack of strength up front and poor dynamism in midfield.

However, Gould took to social media on Wednesday evening and appeared to deny suggestions that Addo-Carr was ready to leave the club.

“Sometimes I just sit here and laugh at the things people say and do,” Gould posted on X.

“I have no idea what motivates them… They’re obviously too smart for me… They’re operating on a whole different level.”