Canterbury have made an audacious play for Josh Dugan in a clear indication they are resigned to losing star fullback Ben Barba.

Fairfax Media can reveal the Bulldogs are already planning contingencies should Barba ask for a release to follow his family to Brisbane. The Dogs have also been in discussions with code hopper Israel Folau amid concerns the Dally M medallist will follow his children and their mother, Ainslie Currie, north for family reasons.

Dugan is yet to formalise a deal with St George Illawarra for next year after the joint-venture club threw him a lifeline after he was sacked from Canberra.

Realising there could be an opportunity to get under the Dragons' guard, Canterbury are preparing a big-money offer for the NSW custodian.