Canterbury Bulldogs youngster Jethro Rinakama is expected to miss the opening weeks of the 2026 NRL season after suffering a serious shoulder injury while representing Fiji in the Pacific Championships.
The 22-year-old was forced off just 13 minutes into his international debut over the weekend, with scans later confirming the need for a full shoulder reconstruction, an operation that will sideline him for up to six months, according to News Corp.
Salary cap relief on the cards for Bulldogs
The setback comes as an untimely blow for the Bulldogs, who kick off their campaign earlier than most clubs when they face St George Illawarra Dragons in Las Vegas on the final day of February. With Rinakama’s recovery set to extend well into the early rounds, he’s now targeting a potential return around Round 6.
While the Fijian winger wasn’t expected to start the season in Canterbury’s best 17, with Marcelo Montoya and Jacob Kiraz likely to occupy the wing spots, the club is set to receive salary cap relief under NRL rules for players injured on representative duty. It remains unclear how the Bulldogs will use the additional funds, though it must be spent on a like-for-like replacement.
Rinakama made his NRL debut midway through 2025, impressing with three tries in six appearances before earning his first international call-up. Once fit, he is expected to work his way back through reserve grade as he looks to continue his promising rise in the blue and white.