The Canterbury Bulldogs are reportedly on the brink of securing the signature of Queensland Under-19s representative Ray Puru, prising the teenage fullback away from the Gold Coast Titans.
The move would be the second hammer blow in as many weeks for the Titans, after man-of-the-match Javon Andrews committed to Wests Tigers. Puru, who has built a reputation as one of the most promising young No.1s in rugby league, is now expected to follow him out of the Gold Coast system.
Titans’ loss, Bulldogs’ gain
Puru’s form across the past 18 months has been eye-catching, starring in the Under-20s NRLQ competition and in representative colours for Queensland Under-19s. He also impressed at club level in the Mal Meninga Cup, where he crossed for nine tries in 15 appearances with the Burleigh Bears and Tweed Seagulls.
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Despite his rise, the Titans’ depth at fullback, led by AJ Brimson, Jayden Campbell and Keano Kini, left Puru unlikely to crack a regular first-grade spot. That logjam has opened the door for the Bulldogs, who are looking to build depth and competition at the back.
At Belmore, the teenager will join a group of emerging options including Latrell Fing, cross-code talent Jai Callaghan, Keebra Park graduate David Bryenton and CJ Udeh, with the long-term fullback role still up for grabs.
If the deal goes through, it will underline Canterbury’s intent to invest heavily in youth while leaving new Titans coach Josh Hannay with yet another gap to fill in his development pipeline.