Canterbury players have welcomed the acquisition of Andrew Fifita as a key plank in constructing the NRL's premier forward pack.
The Sharks prop agreed to join the Bulldogs on Wednesday on a four-year deal starting next season, rumoured to be worth $3.2 million.
When the club dominated the 1980s it was on the back of their intimidating "Dogs of War" forward pack that included Peter Tunks, David Gillespie, Peter Kelly, Steve Folkes, Paul Langmack, Brian Battese and Mark Bugden.
Already a formidable pack in 2014, five-eighth Josh Reynolds said Fifita will only add to that for the Dogs next season.
"Andrew is obviously a great signing for the club, he is a great player at the peak of his powers and he is going as well as any forward at the moment," Reynolds said on Thursday.
"I'm sure he is someone who will bring something new to the club. He is a player that can break the game open.
"He is a great injection into the pack.
"There is a great history here and he probably wants to join the great pack we have. He will add to that.
"The likes of James Graham and Aidan Tolman takes us forward week in, week out.
"It's exciting but it isn't until next year."
Fullback Sam Perrett said the news of Fifita's signing was greeted warmly by the playing group.
"There was a lot of excitement, we all know what he is capable of and he is always tough to play against," Perrett said.
"It is going to be a massive plus for the club and for our forward pack.
"He is going to add some significant weight to what is already there.
"He is another very talented player, it is going to be awesome."
Fifita's former Wests Tigers teammate winger Mitch Brown said he was looking forward to reuniting with the Kangaroo and NSW prop.
"He is a great asset, everyone has seen what he has done," he said.
"I was lucky enough to play with him at the Tigers a few years back when he was coming through.
"He is a real big fella who can definitely do some damage."
