With the NRL’s November 1 free agency window looming, Canterbury forward Viliame Kikau could be among the notable names to explore his market value, a move that would speak volumes about where the Bulldogs see their roster heading over the next few seasons.
While no formal announcement has been made, there’s growing talk that the Bulldogs may allow Kikau to test the open market, gauging external interest before deciding whether to extend or restructure his deal beyond 2026 when his contract ends.
Kikau remains one of the NRL’s most damaging edge forwards when fit.
His influence on both sides of the ball is well established, but the Bulldogs are acutely aware of how quickly value can shift for players in their late twenties.
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Allowing Kikau to see what rival clubs might offer gives Canterbury critical data.
If another club puts forward a premium deal, the Bulldogs can measure whether matching it fits their long-term vision.
It’s a pragmatic move, one consistent with Phil Gould’s recruitment philosophy since taking the reins.
The Bulldogs have already shown they’re unwilling to pay overs for marquee names if it means restricting their flexibility down the track.
The Bulldogs have half of their top 30 filled for the 2027 season and almost half of their top 30 filled for the 2028 season, with significant players like Lachlan Galvin, Jacob Kiraz and Stephen Crichton on upgraded and long-term contracts.
With the Perth Bears having a whole team to sign and their entire salary cap at their disposal, it’s a challenge for all the established teams to create the kind of flexibility needed to reshape the squad while being able to retain as much talent as possible.
Teams like the Titans have created $2 million of cap space releasing multiple players, the Storm have significant cap space with Nelson Asofa-Solomona released and Harry Grant and Ryan Papenhuyzen not signed beyond 2026.
The teams that don’t have a lot of cap space to sign star talent are teams like the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Newcastle Knights.