The Wests Tigers appear likely to hang onto Jahream Bula – at least in the short term – after the Bulldogs announced the re-signing of fullback Connor Tracey on Wednesday. And the Dragons have reportedly made a $3 million offer to try and lure Scott Drinkwater from the Cowboys.
Drinkwater has been given permission to speak to rival NRL clubs, despite being under contract for 2027. The Dragons are keen to sign a replacement for Clint Gutherson amid concerns his days as a fullback are over.
Scott Drinkwater (L) has been offered $3m by the Dragons, while the Bulldogs have re-signed Connor Tracey (R) amid links to Jahream Bula (centre). Image: Getty
The Courier Mail reported on Wednesday that Dragons officials have made a three-year offer to Drinkwater worth about $3 million. “The Dragons tabled an offer to us (on Tuesday night) and we will try and organise a meeting next week,” Drinkwater’s agent Gavin Orr said.
“It’s a really good three-year offer from the Dragons and we are looking at what that looks like for Scott. He will look at the offer seriously. We will continue talks next week, my attitude is we talk business from Monday to Wednesday and then after that I let the player focus on his team and the game ahead.”
Drinkwater is reportedly seeking clarity on the coaching situation at the Red V, with Shane Flanagan facing an uncertain future and plenty calling for him to be sacked. Gutherson is said to have given his blessing for the Dragons to chase Drinkwater and will likely switch positions.
Clint Gutherson doesn’t have the legs to be a fullback anymore.
(Ian Hitchcock via Getty Images)Bulldogs sign Connor Tracey, end Jahream Bula speculation
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have inked a new two-year deal with Tracey that rules out the possibility of them signing Bula. Phil Gould and the Dogs are said to be keen on Bula, but the Tigers halfback appears likely to stay put in 2027 with a mutual option in his contract.
Tracey has started the year in great form, with only reigning Dally M medallist James Tedesco averaging more running metres per game this season than Tracey’s 202. “I’m very excited about extending my time at the Bulldogs,” Tracey said on Wednesday.
“My game has really developed over the last couple of years and I credit ‘Ciro’ and the entire coaching staff for that. We’re building something special here and I can’t wait to continue on this journey with my teammates.”
The Dragons have also been linked with Bula, but have turned their attention to Drinkwater in recent weeks. The Cronulla Sharks and Perth Bears are also said to be keen on Drinkwater, but might not be willing to offer $1 million-plus per year.