Raymond Faitala-Mariner’s relationship with Canterbury is reportedly still strained with the 30-year-old not expected to be amongst the influx of players reporting for pre-season duty in the coming days.
It is believed the backrower, who was only appointed as club skipper earlier this year, has been given permission to negotiate with rivals despite still having two years remaining on his contract.
Raymond Faitala-Mariner faces uncertain future at the Bulldogs
Faitala-Mariner has played 102 of his 114 NRL matches to date in Dogs colours, but there have been rumours swirling about his impending departure for months.
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The club was plunged into controversy when Cameron Ciraldo’s training methods were put under the microscope in August, which is when Faitala-Mariner is reported to have approached the rookie coach to express a group of players’ dissatisfaction at the demands being placed upon them.
"It's the NRL, nothing comes without hard work," Ciraldo stated, at the time, in response to news of a player walking out on the club after being forced to endure a wrestling punishment for being late.
"This club is built on hard work and work ethic. That's what drew me to this club and that's what we're trying to install back into this place."
The unfolding drama gripped the Bulldogs at the backend of another disappointing campaign and dominated headlines with Faitala-Mariner seemingly slipping out of favour as he failed to make another appearance for the side after their 44-18 loss to Penrith in Round 21.
It brought to an end another frustrating season for the New Zealand and Samoan dual-international.
He has played 29 games in total during the past three seasons, mainly owing to injury issues. Since making the switch across from the Warriors in 2016, the backrower has featured in 20 or more matches in a campaign just once – when he did so in 2020.
"It is understood the relationship between Faitala-Mariner and the club became strained after he raised concerns over training on behalf of his teammates," The Daily Telegraph reported as the club prepares to begin pre-season on Friday.
"The club captain was told to stay away from training."
