Canterbury's cult figure Rhyse Martin looks set to find himself playing reserve grade to begin the season.
Martin played in the Bulldogs trial game against the Raiders but was then named in the Bulldogs' reserve grade squad for their trial game against the Mounties.
After what was a successful breakout season, in his debut season, it now seems likely that Martin has fallen behind the likes of new recruit Corey Harawira-Naera and Raymond Faitala-Mariner in the pecking order.
With Josh Jackson, Adam Elliott and Sauaso Sue and Danny Fualalo set to play big minutes across the ground, it's slim-picking for Martin who enjoyed being the Bulldogs' go-to goal-kicker during a breakout 2018 campaign.
Martin, who turns 26 in March, played 14 games for Canterbury following a successful NRL debut early on in the year.
The fan favourite secured himself a fresh contract with the Bulldogs - after concerns of him being squeezed out midway through last year - yet still has to prove his worth to the coaching staff.
The back-rower made history last season, breaking the record for most individual points by a player in a losing team after he collected 24 points on his own against the Raiders.
"Rhyse has been part of a new group of younger players that have made their NRL debuts this season and who will form the nucleus of our squad going forward," Bulldogs chief executive Andrew Hill said following Martin's re-signing.