JUST IN: Bulldogs finally confirm signing of second-rower

The Canterbury Bulldogs have confirmed the signing of second-rower Sitili Tupouniua, who will join the team at the start of the 2025 NRL season.

The forward, who has played 96 NRL games, was given permission by the Sydney Roosters to explore new opportunities earlier this year. It had been widely reported that Tupouniua’s move to the Bulldogs was imminent.

The details of his contract have now been confirmed, with the Bulldogs securing him on a long-term, four-year deal. This contract will see him at Belmore from the start of 2025 through the end of 2028, providing him with stability as he approaches the latter part of his career.

The Bulldogs, who have been actively recruiting over the past year, have made it clear that they wanted to bolster their forward pack, and Tupouniua fits their needs perfectly. A powerful edge forward, Tupouniua has impressed regularly for Trent Robinson’s Roosters since his NRL debut. However, salary cap constraints and the emergence of young talents such as Siua Wong and Naufahu Whyte meant that the Roosters could not retain the Tongan international.

Tupouniua expressed his gratitude for his time at the Roosters, saying, “The Roosters and the people at the Club will always be my family. I’m so thankful for all the opportunities I have had, and for the lifelong friendships I have made. I’m keen to keep giving my all, playing my role, and doing the best I can for the Roosters for the rest of this year.”

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