Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has revealed a conversation with Phil Gould about his future helped convince him that Canterbury was the right place to reignite his NRL career.

Watene-Zelezniak had no shortage of suitors after requesting a release from Penrith, with Wests Tigers, Parramatta and North Queensland all keen to secure his services. The Kiwis captain sought the counsel of a range of trusted confidants in coming to the decision, including several close friends now playing at the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs can thank Phil Gould for helping to deliver Dallin Watene-Zelezniak. Credit:AAP

The chief consideration in coming to a decision with his wife was finding the right environment for their young family, with only those close to Watene-Zelezniak aware of Canterbury’s interest before the announcement. In his first interview since leaving the foot of the mountains, Watene-Zelezniak said a conversation with former Panthers supremo Phil Gould - a former Bulldogs player and coach - solidified his view the ‘family club’ still lived up to its moniker.

"I talk to Gus a lot, I always talk to him about decisions I make," Watene-Zelezniak told the Herald. "He’s a really good guy to be able to talk to, he knows a lot about my football and a lot about my family.