SYDNEY, Australia – SEPTEMBER 26: Bulldogs’ Raymond Faitala-Mariner is tackled during the Canterbury Bulldogs vs. Penrith Panthers round 20 NRL game at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, Australia on September 26, 2020. (Image via Getty Images/Matt King)
Raymond Faitala-Mariner, a former captain of the Canterbury Bulldogs, has disclosed that the club did not force him to leave Belmore.
The past 12 months have been a wild ride for the second rower.
Following a somewhat successful long-term injury recovery in 2022, the second-rower was named club captain in 2023. Since then, he has expanded his skill set to include middle forward.
That didn’t last long, though, as he had a hospital stay due to pneumonia after experiencing some known problems and a falling out with new coach Cameron Ciraldo.
Despite having years remaining on his contract at the blue and white, his 2023 season was ultimately cut short due to persistent rumors and speculation that he would eventually have to find a new club.
After settling his differences with the club’s director of football, Phil Gould, he went back to training. Despite this, he continued to look for a new team, and he eventually found one, signing with the St George Illawarra Dragons with immediate effect. Canterbury was happy to release him from the remaining two years of his contract.
However, Faitala-Mariner stated in an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald that he was never forced to leave and that he made the decision to do so on his own.
“I didn’t feel like I was being forced out the door,” stated Faitala-Mariner.
It was simply this chance that presented itself. I gave it some thought, talked to my parents, my partner, and my family, and they all suggested that perhaps I should make some changes. It’s a good thing I followed their advice.
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