Panthers Find a Diamond

The Panthers have come up with a handy addition to their squad in former Bulldogs centre Paul Alamoti. Still only 20, the strongly built centre handed in an impressive debut for the premiers in the win over the Tigers in Bathurst. Alamoti ran for over 130 metres and scored a bruising solo try that proved the turning point of a tough game. The Tigers were right in the hunt until Alamoti charged over, breaking the underdogs' spirit. Alamoti won't be a starter when the Panthers are at full strength but is a fine pick-up who will play his fair share of games in the months ahead.

Club confronted with 'agonising' call on young stars

The Bulldogs face the agonising decision of letting one of their two young gun centres - Paul Alamoti or Jake Averillo - go at the end of the season.Two of the brightest centre talents in the game, both are off contract for 2024.The Dogs already have one of the NRL's highest paid centres in Matt Burton and having three centres on big money will disrupt the balance of their salary cap.The club's priority is finding a class halfback and that is where any excess money in the cap will go.As a result, the Bulldogs have reluctantly given both centres permission to test the market.Both are getting plenty of interest and it seems certain one of the pair - most probably Alamoti, will move on.The club has been steadily improving its roster over the last couple of seasons and become more competitive in the last couple of years after some lean times.