Bulldogs CEO Todd Greenberg has left the door slightly ajar for renegade forward Sonny Bill Williams to return to the club should his move to rugby union fail.
Two days after receiving a $750,000 compensation payout from the rebel Kiwi international, Greenberg refused to blacklist Williams permanently.
Williams, who is now free to begin his rugby career with French club Toulon after walking out on the Dogs in July, can only play for the Bulldogs if he returns to the NRL before the end of the 2012 season.
"A week is a long time in rugby league so four years is a long time," Greenberg declared on Wednesday.
"We've put our line in the sand for now (but) who knows what's going to happen in the future?"
While Williams' abrupt departure left a gaping hole in Canterbury's playing roster, it has freed up plenty of money under the salary cap.
But Greenberg has cautioned against outlandish spending as the Dogs looks to add to their impressive list of 2009 recruits.
"We're in the market now. We'll be patient and see what becomes available between now and the start of the beginning of next year," he said.
"Certainly (there's not that many players) available now - there's certainly no other Sonny Bill Williams floating around - so that's first and foremost."
"But we'll be patient, you never know what's around the corner."
"You never know what might pop its head up so we'll be patient and see what happens."
Skipper Andrew Ryan was excited about the future but also mindful of finishing a dreadful 2008 campaign on a high note, starting with victory over arch-rivals Parramatta on Saturday night.
"Obviously the guys coming in, there's some great signings there and we've got a lot of young kids coming in as well who are outstanding talents and we've seen a few of them in first grade this year so," he said.
"The future's looking good but for the playing group and the coach, we want to finish 2008 on a good note."
Asked who the rest of the season would be dedicated to, Ryan replied: "Everyone involved in the club - the playing staff, coaching staff and mainly our loyal supporters who continue to turn up each week."
"Hopefully we can give them a win soon."