NRL: Goodwin a good one - for Kiwis

Bulldogs winger Bryson Goodwin has pledged his allegiance to New Zealand, despite his father having played for the Kangaroos. Photo / Getty Images

BRISBANE - Bulldogs surprise packet Bryson Goodwin has already overtaken his famous old man's best try-scoring haul for a season set with the mighty St George side more than 30 years ago.

And in two months, the 23-year-old Cronulla cast-off could emulate dad "Lord" Ted Goodwin's achievements of winning a grand final and playing test football.

Quite a turnaround for a player unwanted by now 15th placed Cronulla 12 months ago.

"They (Sharks) didn't want me, they didn't offer me anything," said Goodwin.

"Yeah it was disappointing.

"I played the first seven games for them (2008) and didn't get another game all year even though I didn't think I was going that bad.

"I jumped at the chance to come to the Bulldogs because I'd heard so much about the club and how they looked after their players."

On his form this year, Goodwin would have to have been some chance to follow his father into an Australian jumper with selection for the end-of-year Four Nations tournament in the Europe.

But he appears to have shut that door on that opportunity after being named in Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney's extended 45-man New Zealand squad for the series in October-December.

Goodwin's grandmother was born in New Zealand, giving him the option of playing for either country.

"You think about those things but I've faxed off the forms to New Zealand recently and I've already played a few games for the New Zealand Maoris," Goodwin said.

"I'd love to play for Australia, but I doubt they'd pick me."

Goodwin - who last week extended his deal with the Bulldogs for another two years - always had the pedigree to be a good player.

His father, an electrifying fullback during the 70s, played 147 first grade games, 116 for the Dragons with whom he won a grand final in 1977, scoring a career-best 13 tries that season.

He scored 57 tries - including his spectacular effort when he knocked himself out while scoring during the 9-9 grand final draw with Parramatta in 1979.

The Dragons won the replay 22-0 with Goodwin kicking six goals and a field goal.

A more direct finisher than his father who left rivals gasping with his dazzling footwork - young Goodwin has bagged 19 tries already this season with the promise of more to come.

He trails bustling Wests Tigers winger Taniela Tuiaki (21) by two for leading try scoring honours with three games to go.

"That would be awesome but Tuiaki is a few ahead so I'll have to get a few more before the season is over," he said.

What would it be like in the Goodwin household if turned out to be a Bulldogs-Dragons grand final?

"It'd be fine, dad would support me," said young Goodwin.

"He still loves the Dragons ..... he couldn't really lose, could he?

- AAP