Moses Suli released by Canterbury 27 days after joining the club from Wests Tigers
MOSES Suli’s NRL career is at a serious crossroads after the outside back was released by Canterbury 27 days after joining from Wests Tigers.
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HE pleaded for one more chance. And then repaid the club by turning up late to training just hours later.
Mosese Suli’s Canterbury career will go down as one of the shortest contracts in NRL history.
Signed February 1. Sacked February 28.
The Bulldogs yesterday released the young gun less than a month after signing a three-year deal to join the club, having been shown the door from previous club the Wests Tigers for similar behavioural issues.
Suli made headlines last year when he signed a three-year $1.3 million deal with the Tigers without having played an NRL game.
He accepted a deal worth half that with the Bulldogs, but leaves without a payout, effectively costing himself a $1 million payday.
The Daily Telegraph understands Suli was late to training on at least four occasions, which led the club to take the tough stance.
On Monday, the talented outside back asked for — and was given — one more chance, but turned up late to training that same day.
Hoping it would improve his tardiness, Canterbury moved Suli into a club house closer to Belmore to live.
It didn’t work.
After working out termination details, Canterbury announced the club and Suli had “parted company.”
In a Bulldogs club statement, Suli conceded he needed “time away” from rugby league.
“I think that it is right for me and the Bulldogs that I take some time away from the game to reassess what the future holds for me,” Suli said.
“I want to thank the Bulldogs for the opportunity that they have given me and I leave the club with no hard feelings whatsoever.”
One source close to the club said: “He has work ethic troubles. I guess another club will pick him up.”
Canterbury CEO Andrew Hill said the decision was all but forced upon the club.
“Right from the start the Bulldogs were committed to giving Moses every opportunity to fulfil his potential and become part of the Bulldogs,” Hill said.
“Unfortunately, Moses has not been able to adapt to the high standards that Dean (Pay, coach) and the coaching staff have asked from all players and as such we think that it is in the best interests of both parties if we part ways.
“This is not the end for Moses as a footballer and if he can regain the desire and drive to reach the standards required then I believe that he can still be successful. The club wishes him all the best going forward.”