Canterbury have released young gun Karl Oloapu from the remaining two years of his contract amid fears he may never play again.
The 20-year-old former Broncos prodigy has not played since Round 16 in 2023 after being struck down by a serious neck injury.
Oloapu was under contract until the end of next season but the Bulldogs have released him under what the club described as a mutual agreement.
However, the RLPA has rallied behind Oloapu and CEO Clint Newton told The Daily Telegraph that he was confident of being able to make a comeback.
“We are really excited and optimistic about what the future holds for Karl’s career in rugby league,” he said.
The Dogs made the decision after receiving advice from several doctors that the damage in Oloapu’s neck would prevent him from ever playing again and they banned him from contact training because they were fearful of further damage.
Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould said they wished the young half well in the future.
“This has been a challenging period for Karl and his family. He’s shown tremendous courage throughout this process and we’ve worked closely with him to provide all possible support.
“While we’re disappointed things haven’t worked out as hoped, Karl’s long-term welfare, along with his playing future have always been our primary concern.”
Karl Oloapu with teammate Josh Reynolds in 2023. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
Shibasaki set for surprise Broncos call-up
Brisbane have suffered a blow on the cusp of the NRL season with representative centre Kotoni Staggs sustaining a quadriceps injury that will rule him out of the opening rounds.
Staggs left the field in the first half of the 30-14 trial win over Canterbury on Saturday and did not return.
Brisbane medicos thought Staggs would be OK but he pulled up sore on Monday with scans revealing an issue.
“Kotoni will spend the next four to six weeks with our rehab staff,” Broncos head of performance Dave Ballard said on Tuesday.
“We know he’ll be doing everything he can to get back on the paddock and has already begun that rehab program today.”
The Broncos said halfback Jock Madden had also picked up a hamstring injury in the Bulldogs clash and won’t be available for round one.
The club also confirmed in a statement star prop Payne Haas (ankle) was on track for the round-one clash with Sydney Roosters.
Haas, who had an ankle cleanout in pre-season, came off in the first half against Canterbury with what the club said was “an orthotics issue” in his shoes.
Second-rower Jack Gosiewski was concussed against the Bulldogs and must undergo the 11-day recovery protocol to play in the March 6 clash with the Roosters.
The absence of Staggs will open the door for last year’s leading try scorer Deine Mariner to force his way into the starting side.
Mariner was overlooked in the starting lineup against the Bulldogs with coach Michael Maguire preferring Gehamat Shibasaki, but now his inclusion looms as an obvious choice.
Veteran Delouise Hoeter is another option for Maguire at centre.
with AAP
