In a boost heading into their weekend clash with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, the Canterbury Bulldogs have announced that boom prop Sam Kasiano has re-signed with the club, for a further three years.
The deal will see Kasiano remain at the club until the end of the 2015 NRL season, with the NZ born prop making his debut last year, playing in 29 first-grade games to date.
“I love the Bulldogs,†Kasiano says of his decision to re-sign.
“They gave me a start and I’m really happy to be staying.
“I’ve loved playing first grade over the last couple of seasons and I’m looking forward to playing more with the boys in future.
“Des and the coaching staff have helped a lot to improve my game this year. Hopefully I can keep improving.â€
Bulldogs CEO Todd Greenberg, said that the re-signing of Kasiano was an important one for the team.
“Sam came to us as a very green Toyota Cup player midway through 2010 and even in the very early days we knew he was a player of enormous potential,†Greenberg says.
“We feel that potential is only just starting to be realised.
“What we have seen this year is the result of the commitment and effort he has put in under the leadership of our coaching staff.
“Sam is still very young and has a lot of development left in him, on and off the field, which is why we moved quickly to lock him up long term.â€
Kasiano has started in 12 games so far this season, and Bulldogs coach Des Hasler is pleased with the prop’s development, over the course of the season.
“Sam is developing into a consistent NRL player with a host of skills that compliment the game,†Bulldogs head coach Des Hasler said.
“He is certainly one who will continue to improve on the back of an already athletic frame.â€