The former NRL premiership-winner was set to sign with the Bulldogs.
Phil Gould, the director of football for the Canterbury Bulldogs, has verified rumours that Siosiua Taukeiaho’s contract with the team fell through.
Taukeiaho was linked to the Bulldogs for months in the second half of 2023 after the forward asked the Catalans Dragons to release him so he could return to Australia.
Although it was widely reported that Taukeiaho and the Bulldogs had finalised their contract, Canterbury never made the announcement. It was first reported earlier this week that the deal had fallen through after the forward failed a medical exam due to a foot injury that would require surgery and keep him out of action until early 2024.
In an interview with SEN Radio, Gould verified the information and stated that Taukeiaho would probably return to Catalans to receive medical attention for his injuries.
“He had a year left on his Catalans contract, and they were looking for some sort of replacement if he was to return to the NRL,” Gould said on SEN 1170 Afternoons. “He was a player that we were really keen to pursue.”
“Unfortunately, late in the season, any transaction with us was subject to a medical, as they generally are. He had a foot injury that needed surgery after playing through it during the Grand Final, which made it worse by the time he returned.
“He wouldn’t pass any medical to get an offer from us, so I imagine he’ll return to Catalans to finish out his contract. He’ll need surgery in the near future, and that will require quite a bit of rehab.”
After his Super League contract expires, Taukeiaho—who first joined the French team from the Sydney Roosters ahead of the 2023 season—may still try for a final farewell in the NRL.
He only played in seven games during his challenging first season in the competition, and his contract with the team runs until the end of 2024.
Given the lack of talent available, clubs will probably be vying for the seasoned forward, who is only 32 years old, upon his anticipated return to Australia in 2025.
Although Gould is aware that the Bulldogs need forwards, he is also hesitant about what is available on the open market, thus the team may get another chance to defeat Taukeiaho.
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“I think that’s something that everyone sees and knows, but we don’t want to rush out and spend the money because there’s really nothing to buy,” Gould continued.
Josh Curran, Poasa Faamausili, and Jake Turpin have joined Canterbury’s forward pack through 2024, along with utility options. In addition to backs Stephen Crichton, Blake Taaffe, and Bronson Xerri, Drew Hutchison, Kurt Mann, and Jaeman Salmon will be joining Cameron Ciraldo’s team.
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