Wonderkid who spoke to two Super League clubs decides his future

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have announced the signing of Karl Oloapu for the next four seasons, commencing immediately.

Karl will relocate from Brisbane shortly to join the Bulldogs for pre-season training.

The Bulldogs have also acknowledged the Brisbane Broncos and the development work that they have already put into Karl’s career.

Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy said, “Whilst this was a unique situation, we are comfortable with the position we have reached with the Bulldogs and as a result, we have granted Karl an early release.

Oloapu said, “I’m grateful for what I learnt at the Broncos Academy and to the staff that played a role in my development during my years in the program.

“I’m also grateful to the Broncos for providing an early release from my contract.”

Regarded as a young man with the potential to be world class in the future, Oloapu’s future was up in the air.

The captain of the Australian Schoolboys, a huge honour for any young man, he is a stand-off with huge potential.

He signed a three-year deal at the Brisbane Broncos but felt the club broke their promises to him forcing him to change position into a hooker or 13 whilst also asking him to change body shape.

Thus, Oloapu wanted to move to pastures new but the Broncos seemed set on denying him a release resulting in an investigation from the NRL.

Oloapu said he would never play for the Broncos whilst it has been reported that he even considered a move to Rugby Union or indeed Super League.

Speaking exclusively to Serious About Rugby League, his manager and former Leeds Rhinos star Matt Adamson previously revealed that Oloapu had held discussions with two Super League clubs.

However, he has now joined the Canterbury Bulldogs.