The Canterbury Bulldogs have granted towering front-rower Daniel Suluka-Fifita an immediate release from his NRL contract to take up an opportunity in England. In a move that has divided the club’s fans, Canterbury confirmed in a club statement that the 26-year-old was set to depart for the English Super League after playing just 11 games since arriving from South Sydney in 2024.
It’s since emerged that Suluka-Fifita has signed with English giants St Helens on a two-and-a-half year deal. He comes in as a replacement for Saints captain Matty Lees, who suffered a season-ending knee injury recently. The six-foot-four Suluka-Fifita has been plagued by his own fitness issues that have stalled his NRL career, having suffered an ACL injury at Souths in 2024.
Cameron Ciraldo’s (L) Bulldogs have granted towering prop Daniel Suluka-Fifita (R) an immediate release from his NRL contract to join St Helens in the English Super League. Pic: Getty
(Getty)
The Bunnies granted him a release in March that year and the Bulldogs signed the hulking prop during his injury recovery. Suluka-Fifita went on to feature 11 times for Cameron Ciraldo’s side last year, but failed to nail down a spot in the Canterbury squad as part of their middle forward rotation.
However, many Bulldogs fans believe the giant enforcer wasn’t given enough opportunity to prove himself at the club. Canterbury’s front-row has been identified as an area they need to strengthen, and the signing of Leo Thompson from Newcastle this season went some way to addressing those concerns. But plenty of fans believe Suluka-Fifita offered valuable front-row depth and have criticised the club’s decision to let him go.
Daniel Suluka-Fifita’s release divides Bulldogs fans
“Is this for cap room?” one fan commented. (He) Would have been a real asset for the team for great depth.” Another wrote: “I rated him. Gun player, just needed more opportunity to show his game talent.” A third fan added: “Has more go-forward than (Samuel) Hughes. Another blunder by (Phil) Gould and Ciraldo.” And a fourth said: “Looks like the Dogs getting rid of some players to make a big purchase. Unfortunately they let the wrong player go.”
Others were more understanding of Canterbury’s decision, pointing to a number of injuries for the 26-year-old that have stalled his NRL career. “Good player unfortunately plagued by injury. Good luck DSF,” one fan commented. Another added: Too many injuries has stopped his progress. He hasn’t proven himself.”
Daniel Suluka-Fifita has signed a two-a-half deal with English giants St Helens after being granted an immediate release from the Bulldogs. Pic: Getty
(Darrian Traynor via Getty Images)
St Helens head coach Paul Rowley has hailed the signing of Suluka-Fifita though, and says his size, power and experience will be a valuable addition to the Saints. The 26-year-old is expected to plug the sizeable hole in the Red V’s forward back after the season-ending injury to their skipper and England Test prop, Lees.
“On behalf of everybody at the Club, I’d like to welcome Daniel to St.Helens, and we look forward to seeing him in the Red V,” Rowley said after confirming the signing of Suluka-Fifita. “After a difficult run with injuries has stretched the squad this season, it’s great to bring in a player of Daniel’s quality and character.”