A devastating injury has struck the Canterbury Bulldogs, leaving them with a tough decision and an unexpected opportunity. Jethro Rinakama, the talented winger, has suffered a serious shoulder injury while representing Fiji in the Pacific Championships. This injury requires a full reconstruction, sidelining him for a significant period, potentially up to six months.
With the NRL season fast approaching, Rinakama's absence will be felt, especially as the Bulldogs kick off their campaign early, facing the St George Illawarra Dragons in a highly anticipated match in Las Vegas.
But here's the twist: the NRL's salary cap rules offer a silver lining. Clubs can receive salary cap relief for players injured during representative matches, and the Bulldogs are now eligible for this relief.
So, what does this mean for the team? Well, it's a complex situation. While Rinakama might not have been in the starting lineup for the 2026 season, with Marcelo Montoya and Jacob Kiraz likely to take the first-choice spots, the salary cap relief opens up new possibilities.
And this is the part most people miss: the relief must be used on a like-for-like player, and with few wingers still available at this late stage of the pre-season, the Bulldogs have a unique challenge.
Once Rinakama recovers, he'll likely have to work his way back through the reserve grade, but his promising start to his NRL career, with three tries in six matches, shows his potential.
So, the Bulldogs now face a strategic decision: how to best utilize this unexpected salary cap relief. It's a controversial topic, and we want to hear your thoughts. Do you think the Bulldogs will make the most of this opportunity? How should they approach this situation? Let us know in the comments!
