Holland to call it quits at season's end

Bulldogs centre Kerrod Holland has announced he'll retire from the NRL at season's end and return to hometown Newcastle and look for employment.

Holland, 27, has played 69 games for the Bulldogs after making a memorable debut against the Panthers in 2016 when he kicked a match-winning goal on the siren.

The Bulldogs centre on Wednesday said his intention was to finish his NRL journey in a month after not receiving a new contract with the club under incoming coach Trent Barrett.

A Singleton junior, Holland had a desire to join an English Super League club but due to the COVID-19 pandemic will now relocate his young family back to the Hunter.

"My partner and I came to the decision about 12 weeks ago but I haven't really told too many people," Holland said on Wednesday.

"I've got a young family I didn't have when I first started and it's about to grow so it's time to move past football.

"I've booked a removalist truck and I'll be going home. I've got a couple of games to go and that will be my time up.

"I'm going to enjoy the last couple of weeks while I can and play some good football with my teammates and a club that has supported me.

"I'm going to get back on the tools."

Holland wouldn't rule out a potential move to the Knights in the future if the club came calling for an experienced back.

Holland spent time at the Knights in the lower grades system and was part of club's NSW Cup premiership-winning success in 2015.

"I'll leave that to my manager but that's probably one place I'd love to go, I grew up supporting that team," Holland said.

"But if it doesn't come to fruition I'll retire the boots or go and play local league I'd say.

"My days in the NRL are pretty much numbered, the Bulldogs are moving in a new direction and so they should."

Holland was one of eight players at the Bulldogs facing an uncertain future with Barrett's pending arrival set to play a part in whether they're required from next season.

Barrett struck his first signing last week with veteran playmaker Blake Green joining from Newcastle for 2021, leaving Kieran Foran's future at Belmore under a cloud.

Foran, halves partner Jack Cogger, local junior Marcelo Montoya, Sauaso Sue, Tim Lafai and veteran Aiden Tolman could all be forced to look elsewhere.

"Fozzy plays each week like it's his last game, he's always been renowned for putting his body on the line," Holland said.

"I don't know what goes through Foz's head ... he's a tough little bugger so whether he's at this club or another club I'm sure he'll do a wonderful job.

"We love him here at the club."