Former Canterbury Bulldogs club captain, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, has clarified that the club did not actively seek his departure from Belmore. Faitala-Mariner has experienced a tumultuous 12 months, marked by a return from a prolonged injury in 2022, where he showcased success. In addition to his capabilities as a second-rower, he has since incorporated skills as a middle forward.
His journey took a turn in 2023 when he was appointed as the club captain. However, this stint was short-lived due to reported issues and conflicts, including a reported head-butting incident involving the rookie coach, Cameron Ciraldo. Subsequently, Faitala-Mariner faced health challenges, contracting pneumonia that led to his hospitalization.
Amid ongoing speculation and rumors, it was suggested that the club might compel him to seek opportunities elsewhere, despite having several years remaining on his contract with the Bulldogs. Faitala-Mariner’s tenure as club captain in 2023 was cut short, adding further complexity to his relationship with the team. However, he emphasized that the decision for him to leave the Bulldogs was not instigated by the club, providing clarity on the circumstances surrounding his departure.
The conclusion of the 2023 season brought challenging times for Raymond Faitala-Mariner, to the extent that he initially missed the commencement of pre-season training based on club directives. However, following discussions with Phil Gould, the club’s director of football, he reconciled with the Canterbury Bulldogs but was still exploring new opportunities. Eventually, Faitala-Mariner independently decided to join the St George Illawarra Dragons, and Canterbury willingly released him from the remaining two years of his contract.
Contrary to speculation, Faitala-Mariner clarified in an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald that he was not forced out by the Bulldogs. He asserted that the decision to leave was entirely his own, driven by the opportunity that arose. He explained that after spending time with the Dragons in their training camp, he realized the change was beneficial.
Addressing his absence from training, Faitala-Mariner characterized it as a “miscommunication” rather than a directive to stay away. He maintained constant communication with coach Cameron Ciraldo and Phil Gould throughout the process, dispelling media reports that suggested he was being actively traded. Faitala-Mariner expressed that each time such reports surfaced, he sought clarification from Ciraldo and Gould, who assured him that the rumors were unfounded.
Looking ahead, Faitala-Mariner anticipates making his debut for the Dragons in the Charity Shield against the South Sydney Rabbitohs on February 17. The Dragons will follow this with a trial against the Tigers in Mudgee and commence their regular season against the Gold Coast Titans away from home.
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