Vagana expected to sign on Monday,
MacDougall's future clouded

Hot on the heels of star halfback Brent Sherwin re-signing with the Bulldogs for another five years, teammate and New Zealand international Nigel Vagana is also tipped to sign a long-term deal, most likely on Monday.

Elsewhere, Newcastle has denied rumours the club wants to off-load expensive winger Adam MacDougall, who's played just one game since the start of the 2002 season because of knee problems.

Knights boss Ken Conway says the 28-year-old MacDougall has received a medical clearance and should play within the next fortnight. The Knights had been negotiating the status of MacDougall's contract but have put those talks on hold following his medical clearance.

MacDougall, who underwent a knee reconstruction last year, is believed to be on a contract worth close to $300,000 a year.