The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have officially secured the services of Connor Tracey from the Cronulla Sharks.
A utility back, Tracey will head to Belmore on a three-year deal as Phil Gould continues his recruitment drive.
It is widely reported — although not confirmed — that the Bulldogs have parted ways with promising teenager Michael Gabrael as part of a swap deal.
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Bulldogs sign Connor Tracey until 2026
Tracey departs the Sharks with 12 months remaining on his contract.
According to the Daily Telegraph, the Sharks gave Tracey permission to talk with rival clubs since they could not guarantee him a starting position.
The 27-year-old played just 10 games for Craig Fitzgibbon's side last season, including a six-game stretch at fullback following William Kennedy's injury.
"I've always admired Connor as a footballer and I'm very excited he has joined our club," Bulldogs manager of football, Gould, said.
"We are really looking forward to welcoming him to the squad."
Tracey can play a variety of positions — including fullback, wing, centre and five-eighth — although it is unclear where he will slot into Cameron Ciraldo's team.
Connor Tracey 2023 NRL stats
| Games | 10 |
| Tries | 3 |
| Try assists | 2 |
| Avg. run metres | 177m |
| Offloads | 6 |
| Tackle efficiency | 84.2% |
Who is Michael Gabrael? Sharks set to sign rising NRL star
Gabrael is yet to make his NRL debut but is an exciting young prospect.
The teenage outside back was initially on a development deal with the Bulldogs for 2024 before being promoted into their top-30 squad for the upcoming season.
He played for the Parramatta Eels in the Harold Matthews Cup in 2022 before featuring in SG Ball Cup games for the Bulldogs this year.
If his reported move to the Sharks is confirmed, he will join a growing list of promising youngsters at Cronulla, including the likes of Kade Dykes and Kayal Iro.
