BULLDOGS SNATCH HIGH-RATED YOUNG HALFBACK ALAMEDDINE FROM ARCH-RIVALS PARRAMATTA
The Canterbury Bulldogs have continued their aggressive recruitment of promising young talent by securing highly-rated halfback Zain Alameddine from arch-rivals Parramatta Eels ahead of the 2026 season – adding another exciting playmaker to their burgeoning pathways system as they chase a first premiership since 2004.
The 17-year-old, who was part of the Eels’ Under-17s Harold Matthews Cup squad in 2025, will make the switch to Belmore to compete in the Under-19s SG Ball Cup next year, marking another significant addition to the Bulldogs’ junior ranks following a string of high-profile signings from rival clubs in recent seasons.
Over the past few years, Canterbury has recruited some of the game’s most promising young playmakers from across the NRL, including Alex Conti from Wests Tigers, Cassius Tia from Sydney Roosters and Aaymon Fitzgibbon from St George Illawarra Dragons. Alameddine’s arrival continues this trend, as the club invests heavily in developing the next generation of stars to lead them back to glory.
Zain is the younger brother of Eels first-grade winger Mohamed Alameddine, making his departure from Parramatta all the more notable for both clubs and their passionate fan bases. The young halfback has already shown impressive leadership qualities, recently captaining Westfield Sports High School during this year’s Schoolboy Cup and leading Wentworthville United in the Metro Combined competition.
Regarded as one of the most exciting junior playmakers in New South Wales, Alameddine becomes the latest talented young player to depart the Eels’ pathways system, following in the footsteps of Domenico De Stradis (Brisbane Tigers), Dominic Farrugia (Roosters), Joshua Lynn (Sunshine Coast Falcons) and Matthew Hunter (Knights) in recent seasons.
Bulldogs pathways manager Andrew Ryan expressed his delight at securing Alameddine’s signature, describing him as a “natural playmaker with excellent vision and leadership skills.” “Zain is exactly the type of young talent we want at this club – dedicated, talented and hungry to succeed,” Ryan said. “He has already proven himself as a leader at a young age, and we’re excited to help him develop his game in our system.”
The news has sparked interest among Bulldogs fans, who are eager to see the club’s young recruitment class translate into on-field success in the coming years. With Alameddine set to join the Under-19s squad in pre-season, all eyes will be on the young halfback as he begins his journey in the blue and white.
