The ongoing saga around Raymond Faitala-Mariner and Canterbury has finally come to an end with the club granting their former skipper an immediate release from his contract.
“The club has agreed to terms with Faitala-Mariner, granting the release so he can take up an opportunity at another NRL club,” the Bulldogs noted in a statement.
Raymond Faitala-Mariner’s Canterbury Bulldogs exit confirmed
Faitala-Mariner was blindsided last year when he was informed that he was free to leave and negotiate with other sides despite having two years remaining on his deal.
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More drama then ensued at the start of the pre-season with the 30-year-old reportedly told to stay away from Belmore.
However, following a meeting with club chief Phil Gould, conjecture around his future appeared to have been sorted as the Dogs geared up for their second season under Cameron Ciraldo.
Yet it has now been confirmed just over a month out from the new NRL campaign getting underway that he will be leaving the Dogs.
Faitala-Mariner played 102 of his 114 NRL matches for Canterbury, slipping out of favour last year after he had struggled to recover from various injury issues.
He failed to make another appearance for the side after their 44-18 loss to Penrith in Round 21.
Faitala-Mariner has played 29 games in total during the past three seasons, mainly owing to injuries.
Since making the switch across from the Warriors in 2016, the backrower has featured in 20 or more matches in a campaign just once – when he did so in 2020.
“Faitala-Mariner has been a positive contributor to the Bulldogs both on and off the field,” Canterbury stated.
“He has run out for the club on 102 occasions and the Bulldogs would like to thank him for his hard work and commitment during his time at Belmore.”
Raymond Faitala-Mariner signs contract with St George Illawarra Dragons
As soon as Faitala-Mariner’s exit was confirmed by the Dogs, St George Illawarra announced they had signed the forward on a two-year deal.
“Raymond is a veteran first-grader who will add some experience and grit to our forward pack,” Shane Flanagan said.
“His ability to play both on an edge and in the middle, as well as the guidance he can provide our emerging forwards, will benefit our entire squad.
“We’re excited to welcome him to training this week as we continue our preparation for the 2024 season.”
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