The latest injury setback to Kieran Foran is set to place Manly hooker Api Koroisau at the top of Canterbury's list for targets heading into 2020, reports The Daily Telegraph.
Koroisau has been allowed to freely negotiate with rival clubs while still having two years remaining on his current deal, as Manly look to prioritise emerging starlet and dummy half Manase Fainu.
The Bulldogs have emerged as suitors for Koroisau, as the 26-year-old continues to impress as one of the league's best dummy halves.
Koroisau has been named on the extended bench for this week, as he looks to return from an ankle syndesmosis injury.
Dean Pay has become fond of Koroisau's work with Manly and believes his experience will compliment the development of Jeremy Marshall-King, whilst also adding benefit to the pathways of youngsters Lachlan Lewis and Jack Cogger.
Canterbury have publicly expressed their interest in luring a big fish to the club, with Koroisau's name now headlining their list following his immediate availability.
Koroisau would find a seamless transition into the Bulldog's lineup, as the club are eager to add a catalyst that will assist their ongoing low-scoring struggles.
The Bulldogs are ranked last in the league with 228 points scored, comfortably behind the rest of the competition with Gold Coast the next worst having scored 296 points.
The clubs ongoing injury battles suffered another setback, with Foran sustaining a calf complaint that is believed to be related to his ongoing hamstring injury.
Canterbury have opened speculation that the club would welcome a move for Foran if a rival side expressed interest.
Although, with Foran's ongoing injury cloud and hefty contract, the Bulldogs may struggle to find a buyer.
Foran hasn't played more than 20 games in a season since 2014, but Pay has reassured that he is wanted at the club, understanding his capability when fit.