The Bulldogs have bolstered their backline strength by signing Lebanese Test utility back Jacob Kiraz from Newcastle.
A speedy centre/winger, the 20-year-old has yet to play in the NRL but will join Canterbury’s squad and is expected to make his debut at some stage in the next couple of seasons.
Kiraz hails from the Bulldogs juniors, playing for St Johns Eagles, but has spent the past couple of seasons with St George Illawarra, North Queensland, and Newcastle.
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The powerhouse youngster was upgraded to Newcastle’s top 30 for this season – a sign of his ability – after he impressed in the NSW Cup in 2021.
But he wanted to come home and has been welcomed back to Belmore with open arms.
“He’s a good kid with plenty of ability,” Bulldogs supremo Phil Gould told Wide World of Sports.
At just 17, he made he debut for Lebanon, coming off the bench in a loss to Fiji at Leichhardt Oval.
He played in one game for the Cedars in the 2019 World Cup 9s, only for Lebanon to be stripped of the win after the match for fielding him as an underage player.
International Rugby League rules allow for players over the age of 16 to play, but the nines competition was run under NRL rules.
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