Bulldogs re-sign Patten

The Bulldogs have re-signed fullback Luke Patten for another three National Rugby League seasons.

Patten agreed to terms today after several weeks of negotiations. The 23-year-old's signature follows the Bulldogs' retention last week of halfback Brent Sherwin as the club strives to keep its powerful squad intact. But the pair's re-signing has increased the Bulldogs' chances of losing at least one of their New Zealand international Test centres Nigel Vagana and Willie Talau.

Vagana and Talau, along with forwards Travis Norton, Roy Asotasi and Glenn Hall are all off contract at the end of the season and the Bulldogs are struggling to fit them all in under the salary cap.