The former NRL and English Super League hooker will join the Bulldogs from neighbouring rivals Cessnock, having originally landed at Maitland at the end of last year.

Randall, 28, only turned out once for the Goannas earlier this Newcastle Rugby League season and didn't play at all for the Pickers.

Kurri captain-coach Mitch Cullen, who lined up against Aberdeen product Randall back in juniors, said it was a "big signing" for the Bulldogs.

"He brings that experience from the top level," Cullen said. "He's happy to play nine or play in the halves. He'll probably slip into a role in the halves for us."

Cullen has also recruited Pickers forwards Peter Cronin, a former Bulldog who didn't lace the boots in 2020, and Tylar Carter, who is currently running around with second-division outfit Thornton-Beresfield.

Cullen is unsure if No.7 Jade Porter (Wests) and versatile Henry Penn (Maitland) will return to Kurri having been loaned out this year, however, Jarred Anderson will be back for the Bulldogs after helping the Pickers' President's Cup campaign.

Meanwhile, Cessnock coach Todd Edwards said the Goannas have signed former Knights and Gold Coast hooker Chad Redman for next season. He played seven NRL games in 2015, featuring for Wests in the 2017 Newcastle RL grand final before a tussle between Maitland and Kurri for his services the following year.

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