The Canterbury Bulldogs have provided an updated timeline on the return of recruit Kade Dykes as he continues to recover from a ruptured patellar tendon.

Recruited by the Bulldogs on a one-year contract for this season, Dykes has been limited to only nine NSW Cup matches in the past three years due to multiple knee injuries, such as a torn ACL.

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Preparing to make an impact at his new club, Bulldogs GM of Football Phil Gould has confirmed that he won’t make his return to the field until at least April.

This will see him be unavailable for selection for the club’s opening five rounds against the Dragons, Raiders, Knights and Rabbitohs.

“We believe that Kade will flourish in the Bulldogs system,” Gould said of Dykes when he was first signed.

“While injuries have halted his development, Kade has great potential, and his ability to play both at fullback and in the halves is an asset.

“He is a bright young man who works hard, and he will fit in nicely with our squad for the 2026 season.

NRL 2022 RD21 Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v St. George Illawarra Dragons – Kade Dykes. Picture: NRL PhotosSource: Supplied

FORMER EELS FORWARD LANDS CONTRACT UPGRADE WITH NRL SIDE

Initially signing a one-year contract with the Townsville Blackhawks for 2026, former Parramatta Eels enforcer Wiremu Greig has landed a surprising contract upgrade.

Impressing in pre-season with the Cowboys, the club has confirmed that Greig has now secured either a development or train-and-trial contract with the Queensland-based side.

Previously with the Eels, he played 27 NRL matches for them between 2021 and 2024.

This comes as the Cowboys confirmed their QLD Cup allocations for the 2026 season.

Greig, Soni Luke, John Bateman, Matt Lodge, Zac Laybutt and Viliami Vailea headline the players allocated to the Townsville Blackhawks.

While Mason Barber, Xavier Kerrisk, Jaxon Purdue, James Walsh and Jason Taumalolo have been allocated to the Mackay Cutters.

And Robert Derby, Ethan King, Reed Mahoney, Jaxson Paulo and Jeremiah Nanai headline the Northern Pride allocated players.

“We’re excited to return to the three-club model, which has been fruitful for our club in the past,” Cowboys assistant coach Steve Sheppard said.

“We have made one change to our allocations for 2026 after consultation with the playing group following last season.

“Players with young families have been allocated to the Blackhawks to allow them to spend more time at home during the season.

“This decision also provides a wonderful opportunity for our younger players to take immediate key roles with the Cutters and Pride.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Blackhawks once again and we look forward to building on the continued relationship with the Cutters and Pride.”

Wiremu Greig has made a return to North Queensland Cowboys pre-season training via a unique pathway. Picture: Alix Sweeney/Cowboys MediaSource: News Corp Australia

INTERNATIONAL FORWARD EYES NRL RETURN

New Super League recruit Jacob Alicke-Wiencke admits that he is eyeing a return to the NRL in the future as the competition expands to 19 teams within the next two years.

An 11-time international for Papua New Guinea, Alick-Wiencke decided to make the move overseas after not being renewed by the Gold Coast Titans at the end of last season.

One of eight players who left the club, he recently signed a three-year contract with the Leigh Leopards in the Super League to play under Adrian Lam.

However, he admits his time in the NRL is not over.

Able to play a variety of roles in the forward pack, the 26-year-old would be a useful signing to either of the new expansion clubs, but especially the PNG Chiefs who will enter the NRL in 2028.

“I personally think I’m still at a high enough level to play in the NRL, but this is an opportunity to come over here and play week in, week out,” he told Love Rugby League.

“I was on the fringes in Australia, so I’ll try to assert my dominance (in Super League) and make a bit of a name for myself, or at least a bit more of a name for myself over here.

“I personally think I’m still at a high enough level to play in the NRL, but this is an opportunity to come over here and play week in, week out.

“I was on the fringes in Australia, so I’ll try to assert my dominance (in Super League) and make a bit of a name for myself, or at least a bit more of a name for myself over here.”

Over the past three years, Alick-Wiencke featured in 19 NRL matches for the Titans and a further 81 games in the QLD Cup reserve-grade competition for the Souths Logan Magpies, Burleigh Bears and Tweed Heads Seagulls between 2019 and 2025.