Test prop Willie Mason says a desire to build a Bulldogs dynasty was one of the major factors behind his decision to re-sign with the NRL club for another four years.

But any future premiership success for the Belmore-based club beyond this year will almost certainly be without Braith Anasta, with the NSW five-eighth expected to be squeezed out of the Bulldogs by salary cap constraints.

Anasta has been linked with South Sydney - where he played his junior rugby league - and after the Bulldogs signed gun second rower Sonny Bill Williams during the off-season, it has always been thought the club would not be able to retain both he and Mason.

Bulldogs chief executive Malcolm Noad remained hopeful, but seemed resigned to letting Anasta go.

"It will be extremely difficult for Braith to make a decision to stay I think, because the money under the salary cap is always limited, and it will be a tough decision for him," Noad said.

"But Braith's a very loyal guy, and he's been a terrific player for the club, and he's a real club man, so we remain hopeful."

Mason joined the Bulldogs in 1998, but has been sidelined all season with a foot injury sustained in Australia's November Test win over the US.

He hopes to be back on the field in two weeks, but with a new contract under his belt was looking well beyond his imminent return.

"I wanted to repay the club and my teammates, and sort of build a dynasty," Mason said.

"I think we can because we've got that many players coming up, and the players that are there now can give a couple of comps a shake that's for sure."

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