The Bulldogs have declared that Raymond Faitala-Mariner, their former captain, has been freed to play for the Dragons.
With two years left on his reportedly $800,000 deal, Faitala-Mariner was informed by the Bulldogs in November that he was free to negotiate with other teams and was not obliged to go to pre-season training.
After having crisis discussions with Canterbury general manager Phil Gould and coach Cameron Ciraldo, the 30-year-old ultimately resumed training at Belmore.
Yet the Bulldogs announced on Monday afternoon that he was given permission to sign an instant release to play for Shane Flanagan’s Dragons.
The club statement said, “Raymond Faitala-Mariner has been granted an immediate release from his contract with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.”
“Faitala-Mariner has reached an agreement with the club, allowing him his freedom to pursue a chance at another NRL team.
Both on and off the field, Faitala-Mariner has benefited the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs would like to congratulate him for his dedication and hard work throughout his tenure at Belmore. He has ran out for the Club 102 times.
“The club sends its best wishes for the future to him and his family.”
Afterwards, the Dragons said that Faitala-Mariner had inked a two-year contract that would expire at the end of 2025.
He brings 114 games of first-grade experience from 10 seasons at the Warriors and Bulldogs, as well as four Test appearances for Samoa and New Zealand, to the Red V, effective immediately.
Coach Shane Flanagan of the Dragons stated, “Raymond is a seasoned first-grader who will add some experience and grit to our forward pack.”
“Our entire team will benefit from his ability to play both on an edge and in the middle, as well as the guidance he can offer our developing forwards.”
As we continue to get ready for the 2024 season, we are thrilled to have him join us for training this week.
