Canterbury Bulldogs release young gun Karl Oloapu after concerning medical report
The Bulldogs were given medical reports which indicated Karl Oloapu could face catastrophic injury should he play rugby league again. The RLPA has hit back after the youngster’s release from the club.
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The RLPA has backed whiz kid Karl Oloapu to restart his NRL career after a serious neck injury, despite strong medical concerns from Canterbury.
And Oloapu, rugby league’s one-time rising star, has already begun searching for new clubs after being released by the Bulldogs on Tuesday, effective immediately, with the club stating the split was “mutual.”
RLPA chief executive Clint Newton claimed to “really excited and optimistic” about Oloapu’s football future despite what Canterbury thought was career-ending neck surgery in late 2023.
The Bulldogs claim their information was based on the medical advice from multiple surgeons. Canterbury didn’t even want Oloapu engaging in contact at training.
One source close to Canterbury claimed the club would be “staggered” if Oloapu was allowed to play again, saying: “The club couldn’t play him or allow any contact at training on the advice we had from multiple surgeons. Not even close.”
The Bulldogs were given medical reports which indicated Oloapu could face catastrophic injury should he play rugby league again.
After extensive talks with all parties, Newton is now adamant Oloapu can play again while the player and his manager, Matt Adamson, have begun negotiating with rival clubs.
Oloapu was left increasingly frustrated at Canterbury’s push to terminate his contract through medical reasons, with one friend saying: “He has been to hell and back.”
Newton added: “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.
“With the matter now closed, we are really excited and optimistic about what the future holds for Karl’s career in rugby league.”
The NRL does not involve itself in a player’s medical clearance with individual clubs conducting their own assessments.
“This has been a challenging period for Karl and his family,” said Bulldogs general manager, Phil Gould. “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.”
Oloapu has been previously linked to the Dolphins. It is likely Oloapu would be signed to a minimum wage NRL contract with incentives.
Once rated among the best junior players in rugby league, former Australian Schoolboys star Oloapu was signed by Canterbury on a big money deal from Brisbane in 2023.
The Broncos placed a $500,000 transfer fee on Oloapu, whose deal at Belmore was to conclude after the 2026 season.
Oloapu made his Bulldogs debut in 2023 and played seven NRL games - and seven matches in NSW Cup - but hasn’t played since sustaining the injury.
After a major fallout with Brisbane in 2023, Oloapu declared: “I will never play for Brisbane as long as I live.”
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Originally published as Canterbury Bulldogs release young gun Karl Oloapu after concerning medical report
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