Canterbury have missed out on one of their top recruitment targets after Jesse Ramien knocked back their three-year deal.

The Bulldogs placed a Friday afternoon deadline on their offer to Ramien in a bid to fast track the process and decide whether to shift all of their focus onto their pursuit of Apisai Koroisau and Herman Ese’ese. The departing Newcastle centre informed Canterbury officials he will not be shifting to Belmore, leaving his future undecided.

The Bulldogs aren’t the only team Ramien has knocked back. North Queensland were a suitor for the 22-year-old and were one of the favourites to land his signature. However, Ramien also knocked back their advances after deciding he didn’t want to shift to Townsville.

The Cowboys are now sweating on Valentine Holmes, who will return to the club if he fails to realise his NFL dream.