The inking of an historic deal, which will result in Canterbury promoting rugby league in the region, is hopefully the beginning of a long-term partnership, says Bulldogs chief executive Andrew Hill.
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Hill described as a "first step" Thursday's formalising of a memorandum of understanding for the Bulldogs to support Greater Northern players, coaches, clubs and communities.
The region's rugby league players now have an official pathway to play for the storied NRL club.
Hill said he hoped the partnership would "become a productive relationship for all stakeholders, junior and senior clubs, councils and schools throughout the region".
"As an NRL club, we have a responsibility to provide opportunities for players, coaches and trainers in regional areas," he said.
"And we appreciate the efforts of the CRL in creating a structure that allow us to create a program that is mutually beneficial for everyone involved and further develops the game in the Greater Northern region."
Gareth Holmes, the Bulldogs' football operations manager, was joined by the club's recruitment co-ordinator, former first-grade star Mark Hughes, at the official launch of the partnership at Jack Woolaston Oval on Thursday morning.
"It's great the players have a pathway to pursue their rugby league careers," Holmes said. "We will work very closely with them (Greater Northern Tigers) to make this a reality."
He said the Bulldogs will provide a pathway for young players so they can stay with their families and complete their schooling before "joining the Bulldogs at Belmore".
Tigers area manager Scott Bone believes the deal is a watershed moment for the game in this region.
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"To have the opportunity to be part of an NRL-club pathway, without leaving home, is extremely beneficial to a player's development, and is a great opportunity for not only players but also coaches and trainers throughout Groups 4, 19 and 21," he said.
CRL CEO Terry Quinn said it was disappointing the Newcastle Knights had rebuffed advances over the past 18 months to form an official relationship with the Tigers.
"It wasn't about money, it was about resources," he said, adding that the Bulldogs were mulling having pre-season camps in the region.
