The Dolphins are set to pick up 19-year-old playmaker Karl Oloapu after the former Australian Schoolboys captain was released by Canterbury-Bankstown on Tuesday.
Oloapu was snapped up by the Brisbane Broncos in 2018 but requested a release from his deal at Red Hill after a falling out with the club.
Canterbury signed Oloapu in 2023 but has reportedly not trained with the first-grade team since early 2024.
A Redcliffe junior, Oloapu was back living in his childhood home and was seeking a release from his deal with the Dogs to continue his career but it is understood the club baulked at clearing him to return due to concerns over a very serious neck injury sustained last year.
From reports, surgery went well but specialists within the club weren’t satisfied and were happy to keep Oloapu under contract to continue his rehabilitation.
On the 7th of January, Bulldogs General Manager Phil Gould took to X to answer fan questions about the Kiwi-born half.
One fan asked, “Why is he living with his family when he’s a top 30 player trying to recover from a serious injury? That doesn’t make any sense. Can you understand that?”
Gould flat batted.
“It makes perfect sense to us.
“That’s all that counts.
“He is being well looked after.”
It was a similar tune from the premiership-winning coach last week when pressed again on the situation.
“Karl’s situation has not changed. It’s a long recovery time for Karl. He’s being looked after.”
On Tuesday, Oloapu was “officially” gone.
“This has been a challenging period for Karl and his family,” Gould said in a statement.
“He’s shown tremendous courage throughout this process and we’ve worked closely with him to provide all possible support.
“While we’re disappointed things haven’t worked out as hoped, Karl’s long-term welfare, along with his playing future have always been our primary concern.
“We thank him for his contribution to the club and wish him all the best for the future.”
The release comes after Oloapu’s management complained to the NRL and the RLPA which forced Canterbury’s hand.
The Bulldogs agreed to pay the $500,000 transfer fee to bring him to the club from the Broncos in 2023 with the five-eighth managing seven games before injuring his neck.
His last match in the NRL was June 18th of 2023 where the Bulldogs went down to Cronulla 48-10.
