Lou Goodwin could be the latest new face joining Cootamundra.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The clearance request has gone in, but Goodwin does not expect to play for the Bulldogs this season.
After two wins to start to the season following an impressive recruitment drive, Cootamundra looked to have delivered another big signing.
However the former Weissel Medal winner is far from committed.
“They ended up getting a clearance for me but I didn’t really act on,” Goodwin said.
Part of Albury’s three straight premierships this decade, Goodwin was named Group Nine’s best player in 2014 before heading back to Sydney for a shot at the NRL.
The 26-year-old signed with Canberra Raiders after winning TV show NRL Rookie in 2016 but has struggled with injuries since then.
The latest was when he snapped both anterior cruciate ligaments while playing for Mounties last season.
Goodwin is concentrating on getting his body right.
“I’m just having this year to get them (knees) both right and then find something next year,” Goodwin said.
“I don’t know where I will be, I’m still living in Sydney or I could be gone.”
He would join older brother Jake in the Bulldogs outfit.
But after so many injury concerns the mental toll has Goodwin doubting whether he will play again.
“The knees are fine at the moment, I surf every day and they never hurt, but I used to think I was invincible and now I feel like I am going to break when I touch the ball,” he said. “I’ve only played six games or whatever in the last three years.
“I’d play one game then the next thing I’m injured, come back play a game and get injured, come back have a game and get injured.”
He ruled out playing professionally again believing it was too risky.
Goodwin was an interested onlooker as the Bulldogs claimed a big win over his former club at Les Boyd Oval on Sunday.
He thought there was a real buzz around the club.
“It has been a struggle so it is good to see that club getting back on its feet,” Goodwin said. “I’m sure Glen (Buttriss) is going to do a good job.
“He tried to convince me to play but I’m just not right mentally to play.”