Staggering twist after Dogs cut $500K star Karl Oloapu plunging playmaker’s NRL future into doubt

Coach Cameron Ciraldo has opened up on the star’s sad Bulldogs exit - but it may not be over just yet.

Ex-Bulldogs playmaker Karl Oloapu reportedly wants to continue his rugby league career amid links to the Dolphins, despite concerning medical reports from his former club that he shouldn’t.

The Daily Telegraph reported the RLPA is backing Oloapu to revive his promising NRL career at a rival club, despite the Bulldogs reportedly releasing him after medical reports suggested he risked catastrophic injury if he returned to the field.

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RLPA chief executive Clint Newton claimed to be “really excited and optimistic” about Oloapu’s future despite the Bulldogs being of the belief he had career-ending neck surgery in 2023.

The Bulldogs claim they have advice from multiple surgeons that Oloapu should not even engage in contact training let alone play again.

One source close to the Bulldogs claimed the club would be “staggered” if Oloapu was allowed to play again.

“The club couldn’t play him or allow any contact at training on the advice we had from multiple surgeons. Not even close,” the source told The Daily Telegraph.

Cameron Ciraldo says he just hopes Karl Oloapu is healthy and safe.

However, after extensive talks with all parties, Newton is adamant Oloapu can play again, while the player and his manager, Matt Adamson, have begun negotiating with rival clubs.

“The RLPA worked very closely with the parties to agree a mutual release that was in the best possible interests of Karl and the Bulldogs,” Newton said.

“With the matter now closed, we are really excited and optimistic about what the future holds for Karl’s career in rugby league.”

Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo opened up on Oloapu’s unfortunate release from the club on Sky Sports radio.

“He’s such a good kid, we signed him when he was 18 years old and he was just a baby,” Ciraldo said on The Big Sports Breakfast.

Karl Oloapu

Injury has derailed Karl Oloapu’s promising NRL career.

“For him to come to the club and he was really exciting. He was one of our future halves and he debuted that year and we had really high hopes for him.

“It’s just a shame that he had that injury that put him back a bit. But the main thing for us is that Karl is healthy and there is no catastrophic injury to his health.

“It has been such a tough time for him, but he is such a good person that he has handled it well and while we would have loved to have seen him in our squad this season it was not to be.

“We just wish him and his family well into the future, but he is such a good person and it is such a shame that he had that injury, but the way he dealt with it I thought was outstanding as well.”

The Bulldogs paid $500,000 to sign Karl Oloapu in 2023. Photo: Steve Montgomery

However, Ciraldo would not be drawn on the medical reports that Oloapu should not play again and threw his support behind the young playmaker, as he navigates the next chapter of his career and life.

“I don’t want to get too much into that and medical stuff, but whatever Karl chooses to do he has got my full support,” Ciraldo said.

“I just want to see him safe and healthy. But at the end of the day it is his decision what he wants to do and him and his family will get to that.”

In January, WWOS’ The Mole reported Oloapu is set to quit the Bulldogs to return to his hometown of Redcliffe and play for the Dolphins.

Karl Oloapu has long been considered a top rugby league talent. Picture: Zak Simmonds

It is likely Oloapu would be signed to a minimum wage NRL contract with incentives.

The Bulldogs officially released Oloapu in a mutual agreement.

“This has been a challenging period for Karl and his family,” Bulldogs general manager, Phil Gould said.

“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.

“We thank him for his contribution to the club and wish him all the best for the future.”

The 20-year-old came to the Bulldogs in 2023 on a four-year deal after falling out with the Broncos over broken contract promises.

The Bulldogs were so keen on him they paid the Broncos a $500,000 transfer fee.

Oloapu played seven games in his rookie season in 2023, before a neck injury stalled his promising rugby league career.

- with NCA NewsWire

Originally published as Staggering twist after Dogs cut $500K star Karl Oloapu plunging playmaker’s NRL future into doubt