'Will flourish in the system': Bulldogs land injury-plagued youngster as jam-packed spine battle heats up
Canterbury have added another piece to the jigsaw puzzle of their long-term spine, landing the signature of Sharks young gun Kade Dykes.
The 23-year-old has endured a horror run of injuries since making his debut for Cronulla three years ago and is sidelined currently after rupturing his patellar tendon.
With his future in the Shire unclear beyond this season, Dykes has been handed a lifeline with the Bulldogs and has officially signed for 2026.
READ MORE: The crucial games that will decide finals fate of 10 clubs
READ MORE: 'Panicked' blunder, selection gamble that will haunt England
READ MORE: 'A little bit': Gallen weighs in on 'slap in the face' offer
Kade Dykes Getty
Phil Gould believes his versatility holds Dykes in good stead when he arrives at Belmore.
"We believe that Kade will flourish in the Bulldogs system," the club's general manager of football said.
"While injuries have halted his development, Kade has great potential and his ability to play both at fullback and in the halves is an asset.
"He is a bright young man, who works hard and he will fit in nicely with our squad."
Watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.
The son of former Sharks halfback Adam Dykes will bolster multiple positions for the Bulldogs when he joins the club and could make a genuine push for the fullback spot.
Connor Tracey has performed admirably over the past 18 months in blue and white, but is off-contract for 2027 and available to sign elsewhere from November 1 this year.
Dykes would be seen as a long-shot to play in the halves at Canterbury, given the recent signing of Lachlan Galvin and the impressive form of Matt Burton.
Lachlan Galvin Getty
Mitchell Woods is seen as a potential long-term halfback and is edging closer towards a first grade debut, while Cassius Tia is also on the books next year.
Bailey Hayward also came through the lower grades playing in the halves, but has spent the majority of his NRL career to date on the bench or at hooker.
It creates a huge logjam and potential selection headache for coach Cameron Ciraldo, who won't be able to fit all of the talented spine players into the team each week.
Canterbury will also welcome Knights prop Leo Thompson to the club next year.
