The Canberra Raiders have bolstered their depth in the forwards, signing Canterbury Bulldogs second-rower Jake Foster for next season.
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The 23-year-old heads to the Raiders eager for an opportunity after being unable to feature in the NRL this season under premiership-winning coach Des Hasler.
Foster debuted for the Bulldogs in 2010 before playing nine games in the top grade last year. He has spent this season in the NSW Cup, with Hasler unwilling to tinker with the side which has won its past nine games in a row to sit on the top of the ladder.
Foster faces a tough ask to force his way into a Raiders line-up which already boasts a host of quality second-rowers.
Josh Papalii and Joel Thompson have emerged as the preferred starting second-row combination, with experienced trio Joe Picker, Bronson Harrison and Trevor Thurling among those waiting in the wings.
All three are under contract until at least the end of next season, with Harrison having another two years to run on his deal.
The Raiders have given Thurling permission to talk to other clubs in a bid to ease salary cap pressure as they attempt to extend the contracts of Papalii and fellow young gun Jack Wighton.
Harrison has been sidelined with a back injury but could be a late addition to face the Brisbane Broncos on Sunday.
Thurling could also come into consideration after making his comeback from a shoulder injury with Mounties in the NSW Cup last weekend.
Meanwhile, the Raiders can thank the red-hot form of the Bulldogs for securing them a rare Friday night game.
The Raiders will make just their third appearance in the prime-time slot - and first at home this year - when they face the NRL's ladder leader at Canberra Stadium on August 24. The round 25 match is likely to be broadcast live into the ACT on WIN TV, with the night's other game between the Sea Eagles and Broncos delayed at 9.30pm.
