NRL 2022: Josh Jackson retirement leaves Bulldogs with room to move in salary cap
Josh Jackson has given Canterbury and Phil Gould the ultimate gift, paving the way for the Bulldogs to continue their rebuild around Matt Burton.
Josh Jackson’s selfless decision to retire without a payout has delivered the Bulldogs a stunning $500,000 salary cap advantage.
The ultimate clubman universally-revered for his team-first attitude, Jackson informed incoming Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo and GM of football Phil Gould two weeks ago that after 241-games and 11 seasons in the NRL his body could no longer go on.
Jackson, a constant force of leadership through the Dogs most turbulent past few years, had a contract for 2023 worth around $600,000.
Instead of playing-on to collect his contract, the former Test, NSW State of Origin forward and two-time Dally M second-rower of the year made the unselfish call to pull down the curtain on his stellar career immediately.
His retirement will also force the Dogs into an unexpected search for a new captain in 2023.
Ciraldo is likely to use the entire summer to make a call on who fills the enormous shoes of one of Canterbury’s true champions.
“We know this decision has not been an easy one and while it is a sad day, there is no doubt that despite not lacing up the boots and running out in 2023, he will continue to inspire the Bulldogs team and our community for many more years to come,” Bulldogs chairman John Khoury said of the club captain on Thursday.
Gould suggested via Twitter that Jackson would remain involved at the Dogs next year, posting: “What a player. What a great man. Bulldog to the core. Wonderful servant and leader for this great club. Retirements are always sad, but time to reflect on a magnificent career. A true Origin player. The future? Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog. Watch this space.’’
Ultimately though, Jackson’s call has catapulted Canterbury into an extraordinary salary cap position where they will have the buying power to lure a major name prior to round one next year.
Some of Jackson’s intended 2023 salary will be used to retain star five-eighth Matt Burton in addition to relieving the club of cap pressure from the signings of Viliame Kikau, Reed Mahoney and Ryan Sutton.
Yet it should leave the Dogs with around half-a-million dollars to target a huge list of stars that will hit the open market on Tuesday – November 1.
The likes of Stephen Crichton, Mitchell Moses, Jack Wighton, Jeremiah Nanai, Joseph Suaalii, Dylan Brown, Brian To‘o, Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Adam Doueihi are yet to be re-signed for 2024 and can be sign with a rival club on Tuesday.
The Dogs huge cap advantage became a reality as Jackson broke the news to his teammates on Thursday.
The 31-year-old one clubman finishes his career alongside Hazem El Masri, Steve Mortimer, Terry Lamb, Chris Anderson, Andrew Ryan and Aiden Tolman as the only players to play more than 200 games for the Bulldogs.
Josh Jackson signed for $5,000 to join the @NRL_Bulldogs from Newcastle, driving his Mitsubishi Magna into Belmore for the first time in 2009. He retires 241 games later as a true champion of Canterbury. @telegraph_sport
— David Riccio (@DaveRic1) October 27, 2022
Farewelling a club legend 👊🼠pic.twitter.com/AbTHhuwd5Q
— Bulldogs Kennel (@BulldogsKennel) October 27, 2022
“Hi Boys, sorry I wasn’t able to do this in person,” Jackson wrote.
“I just wanted to let you know that I have made the decision to retire. It’s been great getting to know you and play alongside you over the last few years.
“I’ll still be floating around the club and I’m looking forward to next season.
“I wish you all the best.
“If there is anything I can do for you guys please reach out.
“Thanks Jacko’.”
Finding a captaincy replacement for Jackson will be a slow-burn for Canterbury who will use the summer period to assess the strength of his leadership options.
Winger Josh Addo-Carr captained Canterbury in Jackson’s absence this year while other potential options include new recruit Reed Mahoney, young half Matt Burton or experienced prop Luke Thompson.
RETIRING JACKSON’S MESSAGE TO DOGS TEAMMATES REVEALED
Canterbury skipper Josh Jackson has made the shock decision to retire immediately.
The Bulldogs stalwart told teammates of his decision via text message on Thursday. He leaves the game as a one-club man having played 241 matches for Canterbury.
Jackson represented Australia on two occasions and played nine games for NSW. He played in the 2012 grand final in his first season and was part of Canterbury’s grand final loss two years later.
The Bulldogs made a formal announcement on Thursday afternoon.
“Josh has long been at the heart of the Bulldogs,” Bulldogs chairman John Khoury said in a statement.
“He has led this great club with pride. He has bled blue and white, and played for his state and for his country.
“We know this decision has not been an easy one and while it is a sad day, there is no doubt that despite not lacing up the boots and running out in 2023, he will continue to inspire the Bulldogs team and our community for many more years to come.
“We cannot thank him enough for everything he has done for our Club, but now it is time to reflect on and celebrate his wonderful career.”
One of incoming coach Cameron Ciraldo’s first decisions will be to appoint a new skipper.
Winger Josh Addo-Carr captained Canterbury in Jackson’s absence this year. Other potential options include new recruit Reed Mahoney, young half Matt Burton or experienced prop Luke Thompson.
Jackson’s surprise decision will also alleviate some of the salary cap constraints the Bulldogs have heading into next season. Jackson was in the final year of his deal worth about $600,000. The Bulldogs also desperately need roster spots to fit in their new recruits including Mahoney, Viliame Kikau, Andrew Davey and Hayze Perham.
“Josh has always epitomised what this club is about. He’s tough. He’s resilient. He leaves everything on the footy field,” said Mick Potter, who was interim coach in 2022 and will revert to an assistant role next season.
“He is and always will be, the epitome of a Bulldog.
“His efforts and professionalism are unparalleled, and it will be hard to fill that void in the team.
“Josh’s actions have always been about doing the best for the team and the Club, and that is what he has done”.
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