NRL 2024: Forgotten Bulldogs young gun Karl Oloapu medically cleared to intensify training ahead of NRL return

Almost forgotten amid Canterbury’s charge towards their first final series in eight years, Karl Oloapu has received some massive news ahead of his comeback from career-saving spinal surgery.

NRL 2023 RD15 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Parramatta Eels - Karl Oloapu. Picture: NRL Photos

Bulldogs prodigy Karl Oloapu has taken a giant stride towards playing rugby league again.

The talented teenager has been medically cleared to intensify his training in preparation to make his comeback next season.

Almost forgotten amid Canterbury’s charge towards their first final series in eight years, Oloapu is on the comeback trail from career-saving spinal surgery.

Rated one of the brightest football talents to emerge from Queensland in years, Oloapu had his burgeoning career shattered when told he required surgery last December.

The 19-year-old took counsel from former Roosters champion Anthony Minichiello, who had major back issues throughout his own stunning career, before receiving the operation.

With the procedure described as a rousing success by Dr Mark Winder, one of Australia’s leading neurosurgeons, the Bulldogs rising star underwent a six-month follow-up appointment, only a fortnight ago.

Karl Oloapu is on the road to recovery. Picture: Tim Hunter.

Karl Oloapu last played for the Bulldogs in 2023. Picture: Steve Montgomery

Contracted at the Dogs until the end of 2026, Oloapu was told that there were no signs of any ongoing issues and also advised that he could increase his training load.

Capable of playing in the halves or at lock, Oloapu played seven NRL games in 2023 with the Dogs.

It’s anticipated that Oloapu will aim to commence full contact with the rest of the Canterbury squad when 2025 pre-season training begins in November.

Originally published as NRL 2024: Forgotten Bulldogs young gun Karl Oloapu medically cleared to intensify training ahead of NRL return