Bulldogs’ horror blow as $500k young gun facing entire season out after neck surgery

The Bulldogs have been dealt a huge blow ahead of the 2024 season, with young gun Karl Oloapu potentially set to be sidelined for the whole year.

Karl Oloapu, debut, Family NRL PHOTOS.

The Bulldogs have been dealt a huge blow ahead of the 2024 season, with young gun Karl Oloapu potentially set to be sidelined for the whole year.

That is according to Channel 9’s Danny Weidler who is reporting the 18-year-old is facing “immediate neck surgery”.

Oloapu had battled with the neck injury during the year and turned down the chance to represent Samoa at the Pacific Championships to rehab the blow.

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“Rising Bulldogs star Karl Oloapu is facing immediate neck surgery, and the prospect of playing no football in season 2024,” Weidler first posted on Twitter.

“His longer term future will be decided once surgery has been performed.”

Karl Oloapu walks off the field. NRL PHOTOS.

Following the surgery, club officials will also have to assess his long term future which could see him miss the whole 2024 season.

The Bulldogs paid a $500,000 transfer fee to sign Oloapu from the Broncos in 2023, having been touted as one of the best up and coming stars.

The young gun made his NRL debut in Round 12, playing first grade at only 18 years and 123 days.

Originally published as Bulldogs’ horror blow as $500k young gun facing entire season out after neck surgery