The Canterbury Bulldogs remain firmly in the NRL finals race, but that hasn’t stopped them from being active in the NRL transfer market.
With Reed Mahoney confirmed to depart at the end of the season, Bailey Hayward, has become currently the club’s first-choice hooker.
While head coach Cameron Ciraldo is said to be satisfied with Hayward’s transition to the No. 9 role, he is reportedly keen to secure experienced depth at dummy-half.
According to The Daily Telegraph, internal discussions have been held about pursuing the Samoa international, a move that could help justify Mahoney’s upcoming switch to the North Queensland Cowboys in 2026.
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Enter Gordon Chan Kum Tong, the unwanted Manly Sea Eagles hooker and former Bankstown Bull, who has emerged as an ideal No. 14 option for Canterbury.
While no formal deal has been reached, Chan Kum Tong’s Bankstown junior roots make him a logical fit for the Bulldogs.
However, reports suggest the 23-year-old has already attracted interest from a rival club, creating competition for his signature.
Chan Kum Tong has played 14 NRL games for Manly between 2023 and 2025 and earned four Test caps for Samoa, making him a valuable potential addition to Canterbury’s roster heading into the 2026 NRL season.