Will Hopoate accepts he has to start the NRL season well to prove he belongs in Trent Barrett's backline, with more than half of Canterbury's squad coming off contract this year.
The Bulldogs have one of the biggest free agent pools in the NRL, with 15 of the 29 players in their full-time squad uncontracted beyond the end of 2021.
Both Hopoate and former Queensland State of Origin prop Dylan Napa have confirmed negotiations are yet to begin on new deals.
The real squeeze is likely to come in the backs, where Hopoate has been one of the Bulldogs best players since his 2016 arrival.
Canterbury have picked up State of Origin backs Corey Allan and Nick Cotric for this season, while Josh Addo-Carr is their big-name arrival for 2021.
Matt Burton's impending arrival is expected to eventually push Jake Averillo out wide, creating even more competition for spots.
Meanwhile Hopoate headlines a list of backs off contract, including Christian Crichton, Nick Meaney, Jayden Okunbor and Tuipulotu Katoa.
"Nothing has started yet," Hopoate told AAP.
"It's similar to previous years that I have been off contract, I have to show what I'm worth early in the year.
"Obviously form earns you contracts. It's important that we start fast as a team which will help me to start fast too.
"All I can do is control whatever I can. Prepare as best I can and play good footy."
The 28-year-old has traditionally only signed shorter contracts and is therefore hopeful he still has several more in his career.
He has no issue with his planned move back to the centres this year following Allan's arrival at fullback.
The Tonga international has spent the past three years yo-yoing between the positions, with this his sixth switch since the end of 2017 at Canterbury.
"I do enjoy playing at the back, I played most of my juniors there," Hopoate said.
"But Baz thinks centre is the best position for me to be for the team.
"Corey is a great player, he played outstanding last year for Souths and made his Origin debut and so now I'm happy to be there (at centre)."
CANTERBURY'S OFF-CONTRACT LIST
Dean Britt, Christian Crichton, Tyrone Harding, Will Hopoate, Sione Katoa, Tuipolotu Katoa, Lachlan Lewis, Jeremy Marshall-King, Nick Meaney, Dylan Napa, Ofahiki Ogden, Jayden Okunbor, James Roumanos, Chris Smith, Renouf To'omaga.
Australian Associated Press
