Bulldogs swing axe on John Asiata despite forward never playing for club

The Canterbury Bulldogs have swung the axe on a 28-year-old forward who penned a one-year deal with the club just over two months ago.

The Bulldogs have severed ties with John Asiata. Picture: NRL Imagery

The Canterbury Bulldogs have confirmed they have parted ways with John Asiata, despite the forward signing for the club just over two months ago.

Asiata signed a one-year deal with the Belmore club on September 15 after a season with the Brisbane Broncos, but hadn’t even had a chance to train with the squad before the club axed him.

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The 28-year-old has previously been outspoken on Covid vaccines, and now becomes the first NRL player to be cut loose due to their vaccination stance as he now faces the prospect of never playing in the league again.

In a short club statement, Canterbury confirmed the forward no longer had a future at the club.

“The Bulldogs and John Asiata have agreed to part ways by mutual consent,” the statement read.

“Asiata, signed with the club this season, but had yet to train with the squad.

“The Bulldogs wish John and his family all the best for the future.”

John Asiata has been let go by the Bulldogs before he even had one training session with the club. Picture: Jorja Brinums/QRL

Bulldogs director of football Phil Gould declared Asiata as “a skilful and intelligent player” via Twitter once the club secured the forward for the 2022 season in September, but Gould changed his tact on November 14.

A fan asked Gould about whether the club would be looking at a quick replacement for Asiata, to which the rugby league great replied: “Still hoping John gets a vaccination. I’d like to have him play for us. But if that’s not to be, we will look at our options.”

The NRL is yet to implement a league-wide Covid mandate on players and staff, opting not to follow the AFL’s lead.

The AFL is the only major sporting organisation in Australia to enforce a Covid vaccination mandate.

Queensland, Victoria and New Zealand have made it clear any NRL players who are not vaccinated will not be permitted entry into stadiums.