Canterbury’s brilliant NRL signing news has continued, with the Bulldogs retaining in-form second-rower Dene Halatau on a one-year extension.

The New Zealand international has started in all 16 games for the Bulldogs this season and is playing his best football since joining the club three years ago from the Wests Tigers, where he won a premiership in 2005.

Halatau’s commitment until the end of the 2013 season comes on the back of the recruitment of NSW star Tony Williams and the mid-year poachings of fellow Kiwi internationals Krisnan Inu and Sam Perrett from rival clubs.

The Bulldogs are reportedly in the market for Penrith back-rower Luke Lewis, however it remains to be seen whether the club has the cap space available after extending Halatau.

Halatau, who has played 171 NRL games, said he’s enjoying his football this year under new head coach Des Hasler.

“I am having a good run around this year, we have a fairly young and excited team and learning under a new coach has been great,” said Halatau.

“I am having a ball and the opportunity to play another season with these guys and another year under Des is such a great opportunity I didn’t want to pass up.”

Bulldogs chief executive Todd Greenberg says Halatau’s re-signing is a two-way vote of confidence for both the player and club.

“Dene really adds value to our club across the board and I’m looking forward to him being a part of the Bulldogs for next year,” Greenberg says.

“He’s a good person, a good footballer and a great role model. Dene is the type of person we want around the club long term.”