Family man: Bulldogs superstar Ben Barba. Fairfax Media revealed they attempted to poach NSW custodian Josh Dugan, although he opted to remain at St George Illawarra. And they are still in the hunt for Israel Folau, with sources suggesting the reason there hasn't been an official announcement about the Wallaby's future is that he is contemplating an NRL return. Barba's manager, Gavin Orr, confirmed a release had been sought but it is yet to be given a response. ''The Bulldogs have been good to Ben, he's been there for a long time and I think Ben has also been good for the Bulldogs,'' Orr said. ''He's won a Dally M there, he's played some good footy and last year he helped them get to a grand final. It comes down to being happy. He's found the main priority in his life is making sure his family is together.'' Asked whether he had requested a release, the fullback said on Sterlo: ‘‘My ex-partner and my kids will be relocating to Queensland, [but] I’ve left all that stuff up to my management, to ask them what’s the possibilities of me going. At the end of the day, when she goes, it’ll have to ... how should I say it, because it’s quite a difficult question ... I would like to join them, but at the moment, I’m still contracted at the Dogs. We’ll see what happens.’’

Heart set on Queensland: Ben Barba. Credit:Getty Images Barba said it was likely Currie would move to Brisbane. ‘‘My ex-partner’s got a lot of family everywhere, and she’s got a few family friends in Brisbane,’’ he said. ‘‘Look, there’s a few places that have been tossed up, but at the moment, she’s moving back I think to Brisbane.’’ The Broncos have struggled for firepower this season but are hoping Barba will help them turn around their fortunes. They are hoping to be the beneficiaries of another compassionate release should Canberra allow young gun Anthony Milford to also be closer to his family in Queensland. However, Canterbury must first decide on the future of Barba. He is contracted for a further two seasons and they may ask for compensation should they allow him to leave. Orr said that coach Des Hasler, chairman Ray Dib, former chief Todd Greenberg and new boss Raelene Castle had been understanding of his situation. ‘‘Step one is the Bulldogs need to release him and then step two is trying to get future employment close to where he’s going to be living,’’ Orr said. ‘‘He’s had a great time at the Bulldogs and he doesn’t want to upset anyone.’’

A release could be contingent on the club finding a suitable replacement for one of the game’s biggest stars. Speaking before shifting from Belmore to a new role at Rugby League Central, Greenberg made no secret of his desire to see Folau in the blue and white. Loading ‘‘Putting my NRL hat on, I’d love to see Israel play rugby league,’’ Greenberg said at the time. ‘‘In my current role I’d like to see that happen at the Bulldogs. ‘‘He would be wonderful playing rugby league again and that decision is his. I’ve been told he won’t be rushing into a decision. We’ll be looking to do everything we can to entice him here and to play our game but that’s his decision.’’