Sacked NRL star linked with shock Super League move

Sacked Canterbury Bulldogs forward John Asiata could be handed a rugby league lifeline by a familiar face.

Owner of the Southport Tigers in the Queensland Cup, Clive Palmer, was responsible for kickstarting Israel Folau’s career back in Australia and has now extended a hand to Asiata after he parted ways with the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs have become the first side to lose a player over the vaccination program, but Asiata had only just joined the club on a one-year deal in the off-season.

And, the 28-year-old told the Bulldogs in November that he’d rather work on a construction site than be given the jab.

Club bosses warned Asiata last week he’d be sacked if his stance didn’t change.

“The Bulldogs and John Asiata have agreed to part ways by mutual consent,” the club said in a statement.

“Asiata, signed with the club this season, but had yet to train with the squad.

“The Bulldogs wish John and his family all the best for the future.”

And, now controversial businessman and politician Palmer has offered to pay Asiata to play for the Tigers, the team he sponsors in the Queensland Cup.

“Clive is keen on John and it is an option we are exploring,” Asiata’s manager Chris Orr told Wide World of Sports.

“He wants John on board and he is a class player – he would do great in that competition.”

However, the World Wide of Sports has also revealed that the 28-year-old is considering a move to Super League, despite vaccination problems with Asiata not having any trouble finding a potential suitor.