Former test centre Willie Tonga re-signed with the Bulldogs for two years, the club announced on Wednesday.
Tonga, who had been linked with North Queensland and a switch to rugby union, said the club's support of him during a long injury lay-off last year had helped his decision-making.
"I've spent a lot of time out of football over the last 18 months," Tonga, who will wear the blue-and-white until the end of 2008, said in a statement.
"The club has been very good to me and I felt I owed everyone there, particularly my mates.
"I think this team can achieve some big things this year and beyond."
It was expected Tonga would test his value on the open market after the NRL's June 30 anti-tampering deadline when he failed to meet a cut-off to re-sign last week.
The 22-year-old, who missed most of 2005 with a knee injury and is currently sidelined with a hamstring problem, said he was hoping to be able to push again for representative selection.
"Now that my future is settled my immediate goal is to get back to playing this season," he said.
"There is no doubt that being part of this Bulldogs side improves my chances of getting back to representative football."
Tonga, who has played six Tests for Australia and two State of Origin matches for Queensland, was a member of the Bulldogs' 2004 premiership-winning side.
Bulldogs chief executive Malcolm Noad said Tonga could have earnt more money elsewhere.
"This is fantastic news," Noad said.
"There's no doubt he would have received more money had he gone to the open market, but Willie has shown great strength of character and great loyalty to his teammates, coaches and
supporters in making his decision to stay."
Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes said: "When Willie is fully fit and in form he is one of the best centres in the competition.
"It's obviously a great boost for the club that he'll be with us for a few more years."
Tonga joined the Bulldogs from Parramatta in 2004 and has played 44 first grade games for the club.
https://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/536641/760120
Tonga, who had been linked with North Queensland and a switch to rugby union, said the club's support of him during a long injury lay-off last year had helped his decision-making.
"I've spent a lot of time out of football over the last 18 months," Tonga, who will wear the blue-and-white until the end of 2008, said in a statement.
"The club has been very good to me and I felt I owed everyone there, particularly my mates.
"I think this team can achieve some big things this year and beyond."
It was expected Tonga would test his value on the open market after the NRL's June 30 anti-tampering deadline when he failed to meet a cut-off to re-sign last week.
The 22-year-old, who missed most of 2005 with a knee injury and is currently sidelined with a hamstring problem, said he was hoping to be able to push again for representative selection.
"Now that my future is settled my immediate goal is to get back to playing this season," he said.
"There is no doubt that being part of this Bulldogs side improves my chances of getting back to representative football."
Tonga, who has played six Tests for Australia and two State of Origin matches for Queensland, was a member of the Bulldogs' 2004 premiership-winning side.
Bulldogs chief executive Malcolm Noad said Tonga could have earnt more money elsewhere.
"This is fantastic news," Noad said.
"There's no doubt he would have received more money had he gone to the open market, but Willie has shown great strength of character and great loyalty to his teammates, coaches and
supporters in making his decision to stay."
Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes said: "When Willie is fully fit and in form he is one of the best centres in the competition.
"It's obviously a great boost for the club that he'll be with us for a few more years."
Tonga joined the Bulldogs from Parramatta in 2004 and has played 44 first grade games for the club.
https://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/536641/760120
