Newcastle halfback Jack Cogger is poised to sign a two-year deal with Canterbury but his bid to be granted an early release by the Knights to link with the Bulldogs immediately is set to fall on deaf ears.

It is understood Cogger, 20, has agreed to terms with the Bulldogs for 2019 and 2020 and could sign a contract with the club as early as next week.

Kept on the leash: Jack Cogger. Credit:Jonathan Carroll JCA

But despite suggestions Bulldogs coach Dean Pay is keen to partner Cogger in the halves with Kieran Foran this season, the Knights are set to block any move to release him from the final year of his contract.

"We have advised the Knights that Jack is most likely going to sign elsewhere for 2019 and 2020," Cogger's manager Michael Newton said.