Veteran Canterbury halfback Brett Kimmorley will have to perform well if he wants to stay with the Bulldogs say club bosses.

The 33-year-old has said that he wants to continue with the Belmore club for another three years, but officials say they will make a decision on his future after the season kicks off.

"We're going to give him the first third of the season, see how he goes, see how his body feels," Bulldogs chief executive Todd Greenberg told AAP.

"We'll stay in constant communication with him while at the same time looking around to see what's available because good half-backs are a rare commodity.

"If Brett continues to play like he has been he may be here for quite a significant period of time."

The Bulldogs are reportedly interested in Parramatta half back Daniel Mortimer, nephew of club legend Steve Mortimer.

Meanwhile, Kimmorley's understudy Ben Barba will also be given a chance to impress following a dissapointing 2009.

Added Greenburg: "Ben's another good example of probably the first third of the season, seeing how he performs".

"He's got a big opportunity in front of him to cement a new contract and we'll judge players on giving them opportunities and Ben will get that opportunity in the first part of the year."