20 Sep 2017

Foran to stay at Bulldogs despite Hasler sacking

3:59 pm on 20 September 2017

Canterbury's decision to sack Des Hasler is unlikely cost them Kieran Foran's NRL signature for next season.

Kieran Foran

Kieran Foran Photo: Photosport

Foran signed a two-year deal with the Bulldogs in May, after he opted to leave the Warriors to move closer to his children in Sydney.

Despite his close relationship with Hasler, Foran did not have a get-out clause in his contract if Hasler was sacked.

The 27-year-old has been vocal in his support of the man who handed him his debut at Manly in 2009 this year, and made no secret of the fact it was the appeal of Hasler that brought him to Belmore.

But it's understood nothing has changed at Foran's end as far as his plans go for 2018.

Canterbury are under immense pressure to fit under next year's proposed $9.4 million salary cap, but retaining Foran's services remains important.

The Bulldogs have let five-eighth Josh Reynolds move to the Wests Tigers on a big-money deal, leaving them without a proven first-grade partner for Moses Mbye in the halves.

Cronulla reserve Fa'amanu Brown has been signed from the Sharks, but could play hooker if Michael Lichaa is not re-signed.

The Bulldogs rake was farewelled by the club last month, but is understood to be a chance of remaining at Canterbury for 2018.

Meanwhile, incoming NSW State of Origin prop Aaron Woods reaffirmed his commitment to the club after he spoke with Bulldogs chairman Ray Dib following Hasler's sacking.

"I've already signed, that's all sweet," Woods told Sky Sports Radio.

"It's a tough one, I don't know what's happened inside the club there. I haven't been there throughout the year with everyone that's gone on.

"I'm looking forward to a fresh start and really getting to know all the players and can't wait to buy into the new culture the new coach is going to start."

-AAP