Dogs defy Warriors for Elliott coup after Evans, Aitken sign on

The Warriors' roster revamp is well underway with Kane Evans and Euan Aitken joining the club in 2021, however, Bulldogs back-rower Adam Elliott has knocked back a lucrative three-year offer to stay at Canterbury.

In what has been a bumper week for the Warriors with new coach Nathan Brown and consultant Phil Gould confirmed over the weekend, Evans's arrival next season for the next two years has been officially announced by the club.

Paperwork for Aitken's own three-year commitment is still to be completed but he too has confirmed his move across the ditch via Instagram after telling his Dragons teammates of his exit on Tuesday.

A significant overhaul of the Warriors playing stocks has long been forecast but Elliott has officially recommitted to the Bulldogs' own rebuild after informing the Kiwi side he could not entertain a move.

With a new baby boy and the Warriors' uncertainty over where they will be playing in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Elliott's preference was to remain in Sydney, and he will do so now at Belmore until the end of 2023.

Elliott was arguably Canterbury's best forward throughout 2020 before a dislocated shoulder in round eight ended his season and had weighed up his future when the Bulldogs tabled what was at first an underwhelming two-year offer.

But having improved their bid to defy offers from both the Warriors and Dragons, Canterbury have landed a significant retention coup given Elliott's standing as a club and community leader and upward trajectory on the field.

"Adam has become a fantastic leader at Belmore and when he runs on to the field for the Bulldogs you can feel the passion he has for the club," CEO Andrew Hill said on Wednesday.

He had also shown during the early part of this season that he was one of the form back-rowers in the competition.

He continues to do a tremendous amount of work off the field and has always been the first one to put his hand up to offer his time to a charity or to represent the club at a community visit.

"We look forward to seeing him continue to represent the Bulldogs with distinction over the next three years."

For the Warriors, Evans and Aitken fit a similar bill, while the club remains in the hunt for off-contract Dragons lock Jack de Belin pending the outcome of his sexual assault case. A ruling on legal argument in de Belin's case is expected to come by August 28.

The Warriors and St George Illawarra are understood to be preparing lucrative deals for the ex-NSW Origin representative.

NRL.com also understands the Warriors are yet to discuss targeting Tevita Pangai jnr should his contract be terminated by Brisbane over behaviour breaches, including recent flouting of COVID-19 protocols.

The Warriors have previously pursued Pangai and would have the required salary cap space to accommodate him should the Broncos cut the Tongan international loose.

Meanwhile, Evans will join Ben Murdoch-Masila as key forward acquisitions for next season after stints at the Roosters and Eels.

Evans has shown signs of his best again with Parramatta this season after injuries and form struggles plagued his first two years at the club.

Warriors recruitment manager Peter O'Sullivan first brought the 199cm Fijian international into the Roosters junior system almost a decade ago after playing against his father, Peter Davies.

"Kane is a really important signing for us as he brings the size, leg speed and aggression that we are looking to add to our pack," O’Sullivan said.

"Kane always played in winning teams during his junior days and he brings that winning culture with him.

“Through his time at the Roosters and Parramatta he knows what this looks like and this was an ingredient we were keen to add to our squad.

"He is also a fantastic team man who can galvanise teams with a sense of fun and he engenders great enthusiasm into a group."

Aitken meanwhile offers reinforcement out wide for the Warriors having also enjoyed a return to form with St George Illawarra in recent months.

"Firstly I would just like to thank the Dragons for opportunity to play for such a proud club, I also want to thank the proud members and fans for the support over the years," he wrote on Instagram.

"Sadly my time at the Dragons has come to end but I’m keen to finish the year of on a high with my mates.

"Although when one door closes another one opens and I’m super excited say I’ve signed with the Warriors and can’t wait for the new challenge that lies ahead."