Canterbury Bulldogs fullback Connor Tracey is facing an uncertain future as contract negotiations remain on hold at the request of his management. The 29-year-old, who joined the Bulldogs from Cronulla on a three-year deal, is in the final year of his contract and has been told to wait until after four or five games before discussions begin.
According to NRL reporter Brent Read, Tracey has been the Bulldogs' best player in the opening three weeks of the season. However, his management has deliberately delayed talks to strengthen their negotiating position. 'They said we’re not going to sit down and talk to the Bulldogs until he plays four or five games this year,' Read said on Triple M.
The situation is further complicated by the Bulldogs' interest in Wests Tigers fullback Jahream Bula. The 24-year-old has a mutual option with a May deadline to decide whether to stay with the Tigers or explore other opportunities for 2027. Bula has been linked to both the Bulldogs and the St George Illawarra Dragons.
Tracey's future may hinge on Bula's decision. 'It maybe depends a little bit on what Jahream Bula does. But Connor Tracey can’t do much more,' Read added. Former NRL player Beau Ryan praised Tracey's consistency, calling him a 'wonderful servant' for the Bulldogs, but noted that the club's pursuit of Bula could affect his contract.
The Tigers' decision to release Bula's wife, Aaliyah, from their NRLW squad has previously raised speculation that the fullback might seek a move away from the club.
