Bulldogs likely to lose Kiwi
internationals

New Zealand international centre Willie Talau has become the first casualty of the Bulldogs' salary cap cheating, with the National Rugby League club resigned to losing him.

And the `Dogs are also likely to lose Talau's Kiwi teammate and fellow centre Nigel Vagana, who has suspended negotiations until after June 30 when he can test his worth on the open market. Bulldogs chief executive Steve Mortimer has withdrawn an offer for Vagana.

The 27-year-old Talau is set to play in England, with up to five Super League clubs chasing his signature. The only bright spot for the Bulldogs today was the re-signing of former Country fullback Luke Patten for a further three years.

Mortimer says the `Dogs have given Queensland Origin lock Travis Norton permission to negotiate with other clubs.