UNVEILING the first wave of key recruits, Cootamundra co-coach Luke Berkrey has declared the Bulldogs are far from finished in the rugby league marketplace.
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In a most significant move of the Group Nine off-season, Berkrey yesterday revealed Cootamundra had secured two forwards and a back to bolster their ranks for 2015.
Barely a month after barnstorming Berkrey and star hooker Aaron Byrne were teamed as co-coaches for next year, the Bulldogs have lured siblings Ben and Tom Warner away from Group Nine rival Brothers - and Dave Buttriss out of semi-retirement.
Born and bred in Cootamundra, Dave Buttriss has a potent pedigree and an impressive resume.
A second rower or lock, Dave Buttriss is the brother of Canberra Raiders hooker Glenn Buttriss, and played in Cootamundra's last grand final triumph in 2005.
He later headed to the north coast and won two premiership with Sawtell (2009-2011), and also dual player of the year awards.
Likewise, Tom and Ben Warner played for the Bulldogs as teenagers, but really made their mark at Brothers this year.
A running back rower, Tom Warner was a standout in the Brothers pack, while Ben was a regular in the centres for the struggling Wagga team.
Berkrey yesterday was clearly delighted to have snared the first of a possible raft of recruits for next year.
"It's a big step," Berkrey said.
"I know from experience how well Tom and Ben played last season, and Dave Buttriss won a comp with Coota in 2005.
"We couldn't be happier."
Reflecting on the triple strike, Berkrey made it clear the Bulldogs had other players in their sights.
"We're also still looking for a quality halfback, centre and front rower," Berkrey said.
"At the moment we have a strong core group of players, but we're still looking."
For Berkrey, the signing of Warner brothers is a great head start for next year's campaign.
"Brothers had plenty of good players this year and Ben and Tom started every game," Berkrey said.
"They also give 120 per cent every week."
With three new players on the books, the Bulldogs will now work on retaining formidable prop Grant Boyd for 2015.
One of the Bulldogs most renowned forwards in the past decade, Boyd has yet to commit to even play in the upcoming season.
"We'll wait and see," Berkrey said
At a time when Cootamundra is developing plans for a Nines tournament in March, Berkrey said the Bulldogs would definitely support the event.
"I think it will be a really good thing," he said.
"Having a Leaguetag competition as well will certainly create interest."
The Cootamundra Nines event is set to be an integral part of the Group Nine pre-season program and attract teams from across the region.