The Bulldogs have self-reported to the NRL after overspending on their 2016 roster, although mystery has surrounded the particulars of the breach. Fairfax Media has been told the blue and whites had budgeted on shifting Perrett, the younger brother of teammate and former Kiwi international Sam Perrett, to a rival side.

Perrett was considered one of the game's most promising props when he made his NRL debut in 2014. After making 15 first-grade appearances in his rookie season the Bulldogs re-signed him on a four-year deal worth about $400,000 per season. However, injury and the strong form of his teammates has conspired against the Junior Kangaroos enforcer and he made just 14 NRL appearances in 2015. That number dropped to just two in 2016 as he was unable to consistently break into a pack containing the likes of James Graham, Dave Klemmer, Aiden Tolman and Sam Kasiano.

The Gold Coast were interested in taking Perrett off Canterbury's hands during the previous pre-season in a move that appeared beneficial to both clubs. The Titans initially agreed to match and ultimately better the money on offer at the "family club" and they thought they had their man. But despite the promise of regular first-grade football – and the chance to re-link with family in Queensland – Perrett dug in his heels.

While he was under contract and entitled to do so, Perrett's stance came as a surprise to both clubs. Canterbury had budgeted on the 21-year-old moving to the holiday strip but, despite rarely calling upon him, instead had to count him in their top squad. The Titans later used the funds set aside for the Queensland under-20s forward to purchase mid-season signings Konrad Hurrell, Nathan Peats and Jarryd Hayne, who helped propel the side to an unexpected play-offs appearance.

The NRL is awaiting Canterbury's audited figures, but it's likely the salary cap was breached by about $100,000 or slightly less. Given the Bulldogs brought the issue to the attention of head office, which is likely to accept the club's version of events, a fine – rather than the loss of competition points – is the most likely sanction.

"The Bulldogs hold the salary cap in the highest of regards and once we identified a potential breach position that we could not rectify for the 2016 season, we reported this to the NRL," Bulldogs CEO Raelene Castle said in a statement last week.

"The cap position will not be finalised until the NRL have completed their salary cap audit process across all 16 NRL clubs", Castle said.

The Bulldogs have subsequently undergone a major restructure of their football department and support staff. Long-term recruiter Noel "Crusher" Cleal has left and been replaced Wests Tigers talent spotter Warren McDonnell. The Tigers have then poached assistant coach Kelly Egan as their new as their new general manager of football, with his place at Canterbury taken by former Eels and Rabbitohs halfback David Penna. Mind coach John Novak, speed coach Clayton Kearney and assistant recruiter Jim Whitney have all moved on.

Rubin Ruzicka is the new strength and power coach, while the roles of Andrew Patmore and Brad Henderson have changed, to pathways performance manager and NYC coach respectively.

The future of coach Des Hasler remains unresolved after another disappointing finals exit. Hasler is off contract at the end of next year and negotiation extensions are continuing. The sticking point to date has been performance clauses but both parties are hopeful of working through the issues.