NRL News 2023: Exiled Canterbury captain Raymond Faitala-Mariner returns to Bulldogs training

Canterbury’s stand-off with Raymond Faitala-Mariner has taken a surprise twist, with the exiled star making a shock return to training... but the peace could be shortlived.

Raymond Faitala-Mariner (R) has returned to Bulldogs training... for now. Picture: Getty Images

Raymond Faitala-Mariner has broken bread with the Bulldogs but the ceasefire may be short-lived as the club’s former captain continues to scour the NRL for a fresh start.

Faitala-Mariner was spotted at training on Wednesday, having previously been told to stay away when the club returned for the preseason late last week.

The issue caught the attention of the players union, who reached out to Faitala-Mariner amid concerns over his treatment.

The club, however, relaxed their stance and it is understood Faitala-Mariner was part of a field season on Tuesday and then a yoga session on Wednesday morning involving Bulldogs players.

His return, however, doesn’t necessarily mean he will remain at the Bulldogs. Faitala-Mariner has two years remaining on his deal at the club - believed to be worth in excess of $800,000 - but has been given permission to explore his options on the open market.

Raymond Faitala-Mariner (R) has returned to Bulldogs training... for now. Picture: Getty Images

It is understood he had interest from Super League but wants to continue his career in the NRL. The Bulldogs and Faitala-Mariner’s management declined to comment when contacted on Wednesday.

The change of heart at the Bulldogs came after head of football Phil Gould held crisis talks with Faitala-Mariner at the weekend designed to plot a way forward.

It is unclear whether they resolved at that meeting - which was held at Canterbury Leagues Club and captured on the phone of a person seated in the vicinity - to allow him to return to training. However, the intervention of the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) - it is believed they reached out to Faitala-Mariner earlier this week as they sought clarity over his treatment - may have played a role in the Bulldogs’ change of heart.

Faitala-Mariner was spotted in crisis talks with Phil Gould at Canterbury Leagues Club after his surprise banishment from training. Picture: Supplied.

Clubs are contractually obliged to provide players an opportunity to train while they remain under contract. Section 3.6 of the playing contract relates to the club’s obligations and says that during the term of employment, they must use their best endeavours to provide an opportunity to the player to train for the game, either with a team in the NRL competitions or with another team in relation to which the club has an affiliation or association.

The Bulldogs risked breaching their agreement with Faitala-Mariner had they forced their former skipper to stay away from Belmore, which in turn may have given him grounds to seek compensation.

Speculation over Faitala-Mariner’s future comes after the Bulldogs announced a slew of recent signings. According to the NRL website, they have already filled their 30-man roster for next season, meaning Gould and coach Cameron Ciraldo have no room to move when it comes to strengthening their squad in 2024.

The Bulldogs, however, remain active in the market and Faitala-Mariner’s departure would clear a space in their top 30 for a quality replacement.