Canterbury Bulldogs star Raymond Faitala-Mariner looked like he was nearing a move to Super League a month ago, but that has now seemingly been ruled out.
The forward was at the centre of a controversy as he was barred from training after dispute with head coach Cameron Ciraldo over training methods utilised.
The club told him he was welcome to explore his options of which there were very few in the NRL making a Super League move look likely.
He was likely being moved on to try and create space for the Bulldogs to sign Catalans Dragons forward Siuasiou Taukeiaho who desired a return to Australia after just a season in Super League.
He reportedly had agreed a two year deal with the Bulldogs but required salary cap space to sign for the Bulldogs and to secure his release.
However, his move collapsed after a failed medical leaving him to return to France. Now the Bulldogs have made a u-turn and will be keeping Mariner.
“There was a bit of miscommunication,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald, “Obviously, the club wanted to know if I was fit mentally to come back to training.
“I had that meeting on the weekend, on Saturday, just to clarify things and just reassure I am ready, that I am committed. I was going through a few things off-field, and I needed to sort things out, and I’m glad everything is sorted.”
He confirmed he didn’t see himself leaving Belmore anytime soon as he takes on leadership responsibilities alongside a mostly inexperienced forward pack, particularly in the middle third, for 2024.
“I’ve got two more years here left on my contract, and I don’t see myself leaving anytime soon,” he said.
“As long as I’m wearing the blue and white colours then I’m going to put my best foot forward … I want to play footy, and I do want to see this club successful.”
This means he won’t be coming to Super League any time in the near future and puts the final nail in the coffin for Taukeiaho and his desired move to the Bulldogs.