Price explains reasons behind
transfer

Inspirational captain Steve Price on Monday set his sights on leading the Bulldogs to the 2004 premiership after announcing he was leaving the NRL co-leaders to join the New Zealand Warriors.

Price's signing of a three-year deal believed to be worth $1.2 million ends weeks of speculation about his playing future.

Price deliberated over the last fortnight with family and friends.

Price arrived at the Bulldogs as a 17-year-old when recruited by Peter 'Bullfrog' Moore in 1992 and will leave Belmore as club captain feeling he has achieved every goal he set himself at the club.

"It is the club that has developed me into the person I am today," Price said.

"I know I'm leaving the club in good hands. It is the people that have developed this Bulldogs culture.

"The club could not have done anymore for me, from the ball boy to the chairman, this is a special place."

"This will be my final chance to win a competition with my friends here at the Bulldogs. I started the 2004 season with a massive ambition to win the NRL and now I'm even more desperate to do so after today's decision."

The 30-year-old sought acceptance from the Bulldogs faithful, describing the blue and white army as his "inspiration and the backbone" of the club.

"The club has given support and love to my family and I will never be able to repay the values that I have been shown," he said.

"I came here as a boy with dreams and am now leaving 30 years of age having achieved all of them.

"I have stood up in front of all my teammates and staff to tell them of my plans this morning, with that being the single hardest thing I have ever had to do."

Bulldogs chief executive Malcolm Noad said the parting of ways was amicable.

"Steve's decision has been an extremely difficult one for him and whilst we tried as hard as we could to convince him to stay, we respect his decision to leave the Bulldogs," Noad said.

"Steve spoke to the players and staff this morning about how much he owes the club but the reality is the Bulldogs owe him a great deal as well.

"He has been an inspiration to our fans, our players, our sponsors and our officials over the years for the way he has played the game and just as importantly the way he has conducted himself off the field.

"We wish Steve, his wife Jo and their children all the best for their time in New Zealand and thank them for their outstanding contribution to our club."