NRL 2024: Dragons sign former Bulldogs captain Raymond Faitala-Mariner

St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan has landed a key off-season signing after Canterbury granted their former captain an early release.

St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan has finally made a kill after signing former Canterbury captain Raymond Faitala-Mariner on a two-year deal.

Faitala-Mariner had this year and next remaining on his contract with the Bulldogs but was granted an earlier release, having been given permission to explore his options at the end of last season.

The former club captain spent much of last year on the outer at the ‘Dogs, prompting suggestions his time at Canterbury was coming to an end.

The Dragons have now swooped, adding valuable experience to their side as Flanagan attempts to rebuild the club.

Flanagan said Faitala-Mariner’s versatility would be an asset to the Dragons’ forward pack.

Raymond Faitala-Mariner meeting with Phil Gould last year. Picture: Supplied

“Raymond is a veteran first-grader who will add some experience and grit to our forward pack,” Flanagan said.

“His ability to play both on an edge and in the middle, as well as the guidance he can provide our emerging forwards, will benefit our entire squad.

“We’re excited to welcome him to training this week as we continue our preparation for the 2024 season.”

Faitala-Mariner’s switch to the Dragons puts an end to months of drama and speculation over the future embattled skipper at Belmore.

Canterbury’s relationship with Faitala-Mariner reached breaking point in November last year when he was told not to show-up for the start of preseason training.

It’s understood the relationship between the two parties deteriorated after Faitala-Mariner raised concerns with the club over training methods on behalf of some Bulldogs teammates.

Raymond Faitala-Mariner has been on the outer at Canterbury. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Faitala-Mariner returned to preseason training the week after his temporary exile and was also spotted in crisis talks with the club’s head of football Phil Gould during that time.

The Bulldogs confirmed they had granted Faitala-Mariner a release from the final two years of his deal, which is said to be worth around $400,000 per season.

Faitala-Mariner has been a positive contributor to the Bulldogs both on and off the field,” the Bulldogs said in a statement.

“He has run out for the club on 102 occasions and the Bulldogs would like to thank him for his hard work and commitment during his time at Belmore.”

Originally published as NRL 2024: Dragons sign former Bulldogs captain Raymond Faitala-Mariner