Ahead of the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs return to training next week the Club has confirmed its player recruitment and retention for the upcoming season, with Coach Des Hasler saying that stability and depth will be key to the squad’s premiership campaign in 2016.

“Finding an edge is always difficult in a competition like ours but the stability of our squad will certainly help the Bulldogs’ cause during the season ahead,” Hasler said.

“Our Origin and international players have been together for some time and they’ve had the time to form strong combinations.

“While we’ve got plenty of depth in our squad we’ve also signed some impressive young guys in Brad Abbey, Craig Garvey and Kerrod Holland who’ll keep the pressure on everyone to be at their best.”

“With the addition of Brad Abbey, Craig Garvey and Kerrod Holland, youngsters like Renouf To’Omaga, Reimis Smith and Jake Kamire who have been elevated from the NYC team to the NRL squad will provide even more competition over the summer.”

Abbey, widely acknowledged as a young fullback with huge potential joins the club from the New Zealand Warriors where he has starred in their NYC teams.

“I’m definitely excited to join the Bulldogs,” Brad Abbey said.

“Des was a real big influence on my decision and having my family come over with me is a really important factor on my career.”

Kerrod Holland joins the club from the Newcastle Knights NSW Cup winning team where he earned a reputation as one of the best young centre products in Rugby League.

“One of the biggest decisions for me in joining the club was been given the opportunity to train full-time and be able to work under Des Hasler,” Holland said.

Meanwhile, Craig Garvey arrives at the Bulldogs from the St George Illawarra Dragons where he’s been carving out a career as hooker.

“The move to the Bulldogs will give me a fresh start, a greater opportunity to develop my game and be closer to home,” said Garvey.

All three players will begin pre-season training along with the complete squad over the coming weeks and for Chief Executive Raelene Castle the announcements today are a significant step forward for the2016 season.

“For us it was about suring up the depth and making sure we have those players who are going to grow and develop over time, but also give us that depth during the tough times,” Castle said.

Players signed

Name Position DOB Contract Signed from Brad Abbey Fullback 30/12/1996 3 years (2016-18) NZ Warriors Craig Garvey Hooker 28/4/1993 2 years (2016-17) St George Illawarra Kerrod Holland Centre/wing 25/9/1992 2 years (2016-17) Newcastle Knights

The Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs can also confirm the re-signing of Sam Perrett, Chase Stanley, Tyrone Phillips, Pat O’Hanlon and Adam Elliott.

Players retained