In recent years the Penrith Panthers have been the second team for many in the state's west given the number of juniors from the region who call the foot of the mountains home.
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But the Canterbury Bulldogs may challenge that standing next season after they secured the signing of another bush footy product on Tuesday.
Coonamble junior and South Sydney outside back Braidon Burns will be in blue and white next season after signing a two-year deal with the Belmore club.
A respected and popular member of the Rabbitohs squad, Burns battled to nail down a regular starting spot at South Sydney and watched Sunday's grand final defeat to Penrith from the sideline.
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At the Bulldogs, he will team up with Panthers players and fellow western juniors Matt Burton and Brent Naden.
On top of that connection, Gulgong junior Josh Jackson remains captain at the club and was named the Bulldogs' player of the year for 2021.
Melbourne speedster Josh Addo-Carr, who has family ties to Wellington, has also signed for the Bulldogs next year along with the likes of Matt Dufty, Paul Vaughan, Tevita Pangai Jnr and Josh Asiata.
"There is a genuine feeling here at the Bulldogs that we are putting together a very exciting squad for next season and beyond," Bulldogs chief executive Aaron Warburton said after the signing of 25-year-old Burns.
"Adding depth in all positions is something that we have worked hard to achieve, and to be able to sign someone of Braidon's ability and strikepower is a major boost for our backline.
"Braidon is a hard worker who wants the chance to succeed, and we are delighted that he has chosen to come to Belmore at a time when he is moving into the best stage of his career."
Burns battled injuries for a lot of his Rabbitohs career but managed to play 40 NRL matches at South Sydney after making his NRL debut in 2017.
"Braidon is a quality footballer and an even better person and it's sad to see him move on," Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly said.
"We understand the offer he has from another NRL Club is too good to refuse for him. He has battled through injuries to represent our club as well as touch the community through his excellent work with Souths Cares.
"He is a favourite of our members and supporters and we wish him, his fiancée Tiannan and their soon-to-be-born baby all the best in the future."
The Bulldogs won just six times in 2021 and finished with the wooden spoon.
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
