I’M LEAVING ”Tevita Pangai Junior accepted a £83.5million to Depart from Canterbury Bulldogs…see more

The Bulldogs will have the biggest transformation of any team in the NRL in 2024 with up to seven new faces in the 17-man side for round one.

After finishing 15th, 12th, last and 15th in the past four seasons, football boss Phil Gould has swept a broom through the club, getting rid of plenty of dead wood.

His recruitment has concentrated on quantity rather than elite quality, with one exception – former Panthers match-winner Stephen Crichton.

Crichton will add much needed strike power out wide in the centres, as will former Shark Bronson Xerri, if he can regain his mojo after his lengthy drugs ban.

Xerri looked sharp on debut in the win over the Storm on Thursday night in an encouraging sign.

Former Titans playmaker Toby Sexton did enough last year to start in the key No.7 role, but will be kept honest by Roosters recruit Drew Hutchison, a steady campaigner capable of steering the team around the park.

Blake Taaffe from the Rabbitohs has the speed and class to make a go of the fullback spot in a backline brimming with pace.

I like former Sharks utility Connor Tracey – he has the skills to also make a fine fullback but he is versatile and brings impact, making him an ideal No.14 off the bench.

Ex-Warrior Josh Curran is a great pick-up in the forwards, as is the versatile Kurt Mann from Newcastle.

Another newcomer, Jaeman Salmon from the Panthers, also brings something to the table as an interchange player.

In summary, a sharper and faster team than in 2023 and as a result, should win more games.