The Bulldogs have recruited Roosters hooker Jaxson Allen, who has yet to make his NRL debut.
Allen played NSW Cup in 2026 and captained the Roosters to the 2025 Under-19 SG Ball Cup title.
"Jaxson is a crafty hooker with a great running game and high footy IQ," Gould said in a club statement.
"He has enormous potential and we're excited to watch him continue to develop in the Bulldogs system."
General manager Phil Gould also confirmed a full-time assistant coaching role for Steve, previously in the club's junior pathways.
He will work with attack coach Adam O'Brien, Gould said: "Steve has been promoted from coaching the junior pathways teams to the role of assistant NRL coach," and "He will work with Adam O'Brien on the attacking game."
Steve played State of Origin for NSW in 2008 and was part of Melbourne Storm grand final-winning sides in 2007 and 2009, whose titles were stripped.
The appointment follows a difficult season for Cameron Ciraldo's Bulldogs, who scored 476 points, fewer than 20 per game, and ranked fourth-lowest in the competition.
Fans heavily criticised O'Brien, particularly given Newcastle's limited scoring during his time as head coach.
Josh Jackson will take over as NSW Cup coach from Jason Taylor.
The club has also added Panthers hooker Freddy Lussick and winger Jordan McLean, plus fullback Connor Votano from Newcastle, whom it sees as a potential future No. 1.