Jackson Topine and Canterbury Bulldogs to face Supreme Court in March

The date for one of rugby league’s most significant legal battles has been locked in, and it could not come at a worse time for the Canterbury Bulldogs.

Three weeks after the Bulldogs kick off their premiership tilt in Las Vegas next season – it may even be the start of their title defence given the way they are playing this year – the club will be forced to switch their attention from Sin City to the Supreme Court.

On March 23, one of the most significant legal battles in rugby league’s recent history is scheduled to begin before Justice Tim Faulkner SC. It involves one of NRL’s glamour clubs and a former player who was formerly regarded as one of their most promising young stars, Jackson Topine.

After months of legal sparring, Justice Faulkner SC on Wednesday set aside 10 days early next year to hear Topine’s case against the Bulldogs, which stems from an incident two years ago at a sweltering training session in Sydney’s southwest.

Topine hasn’t played for the Bulldogs since, having alleged that a training ground incident culminated in him suffering physical and mental harm.

The Bulldogs have vowed to defend themselves. On Wednesday, during a directions hearing in 10C of the Supreme Court in Sydney, they reiterated their belief that Topine’s claims were baseless and attempts to mediate the dispute would be futile.

Jackson Topine is seeking damages in the vicinity of $4 million from the Bulldogs. Picture: Brett Costello

The Bulldogs have made it clear that they have no interest in sitting down and discussing a settlement. They won’t be conceding any ground. They are happy to go to court if it means clearing their name but it may result in some of the biggest names in rugby league being forced to take the witness stand.

Sources close to the case insist that Bulldogs head of football Phil Gould is likely to be called as a witness. So too coach Cameron Ciraldo. That’s in addition to a handful of players who are expected to take the stand.

The Topine camp have already outlined plans to subpoena some of the club’s former players including Tevita Pangai Jnr and Raymond Faitala-Mariner.

Chris Patolo, Jayden Okunbor, Khaled Rajab, and Fa’amanu Brown are also expected to be served subpoenas to provide evidence in the case.

Topine is not accusing his teammates of any wrongdoing. Nor has he made any allegations against Gould or Ciraldo.

The Bulldogs will be headed to Las Vegas in 2026. Picture: Ethan Miller/Getty Images

However, it is understood that his claim against the Bulldogs could be up to $4 million based on damages and lost earnings.

On Wednesday, Topine’s legal team conceded they may look to serve subpoenas on some overseas players when they return to Australia – Pangai is playing in France and Okunbor is in England.

During a hearing lasting an hour or so, as potential court dates were being discussed, they also raised concerns over the impact of Ramadan on the availability of witnesses – the Muslim month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community ends on March 18.

The hearing will now begin five days later. Topine’s legal team also raised concerns over the imbalance in resources between the parties – the Bulldogs are one of the most affluent clubs in the game with access to rivers of gold from their leagues club.

They have the financial muscle to dig in for a fight. They will spare no expense to clear the club’s name. Of as much concern for the Bulldogs and the NRL is the ramifications it could have on the game and the dressing room.

Bulldogs general manager of football Phil Gould, is likely to be called as a witness. Picture: Julian Andrews

According to Topine’s version of events, he was told he had arrived late for a session in Sydney’s southwestern suburbs and was handed a punishment that involved wrestling as many as 35 of his former teammates.

Topine’s lawyers allege that the punishment amounted to a deprivation of liberty that caused psychiatric injury. The Bulldogs have always insisted that there was nothing untoward involved in the session and Topine showed no signs of concern when he left training.

The Bulldogs and Topine have long since parted ways. He played 16 games for the club over three seasons including five in 2023, his last season with the club.

He also made one appearance for the Maori All Stars but his rugby league career came to a crashing halt before he had the chance to add to those numbers.

He last played for the club against the Broncos on July 15, 2023. A few days later, his world was irrevocably altered. On Friday, it will be exactly two years since the wrestling session that threatens to blow up rugby league.

It’s an anniversary no one will celebrate.

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Originally published as Jackson Topine and Canterbury Bulldogs to face Supreme Court in March