The Bulldogs have officially released their former captain, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, allowing him to join the Dragons. Despite having two years left on his contract, valued at $800,000, the Bulldogs informed him in November that he could skip pre-season training and explore opportunities with other clubs.
After engaging in discussions with coach Cameron Ciraldo and Canterbury general manager Phil Gould, the 30-year-old returned to Belmore for training. However, the Bulldogs confirmed on Monday that Faitala-Mariner has been granted an immediate release to join Shane Flanagan’s Dragons.
In a statement, the Bulldogs acknowledged Faitala-Mariner’s positive contributions on and off the field during his 102 appearances for the club. They expressed gratitude for his dedication and hard work and wished him and his family well in the future.
The Dragons subsequently confirmed Faitala-Mariner’s signing on a two-year deal until the end of 2025. With 114 games of first-grade experience over ten seasons with the Warriors and Bulldogs, as well as four Test appearances for Samoa and New Zealand, Faitala-Mariner brings valuable expertise to the Red V.
Coach Shane Flanagan welcomed the veteran first-grader, highlighting his versatility in playing on the edge and in the middle. Flanagan expressed excitement about Faitala-Mariner’s addition to the team, emphasizing the benefits of his experience and leadership for both the forward pack and emerging players. The Dragons look forward to his immediate involvement in training as they prepare for the 2024 season.
