The forward was at the centre of a controversy as he was barred from training after dispute with head coach Cameron Ciraldo over training methods utilised.
The club told him he was welcome to explore his options of which there were very few in the NRL making a Super League move look likely.
He was probably being moved on in an attempt to make room for the Bulldogs to recruit Catalans Dragons forward Siuasiou Taukeiaho, who, after only one Super League season, wanted to return to Australia.
According to reports, he had a two-year contract with the Bulldogs, but in order to sign with the team and obtain his release, the Bulldogs needed salary cap space.
But after a botched medical procedure, his move fell through, forcing him to go back to France. The Bulldogs have now reversed course and decided to keep Mariner.
The Sydney Morning Herald quoted him as saying, “There was a little miscommunication. Obviously, the club wanted to know if I was mentally fit to return to training.”
“On Saturday, I held the meeting to make clarifications and to satisfy myself that I am dedicated and ready. I’m relieved that everything has been resolved since I needed to iron out a few problems that I was dealing with off the pitch.
He acknowledged that he didn’t see himself leaving Belmore anytime soon as he assumes leadership duties for 2024 alongside a forward pack that is primarily inexperienced, especially in the middle third.
“I have a two-year contract here, and I don’t see myself leaving anytime soon,” he remarked.
“I’m going to give it my all as long as I’m wearing the colours blue and white. In addition to wanting to see our team succeed, I want to play football.
This is a final blow to Taukeiaho’s hopes of moving to the Bulldogs and indicates that he will not be visiting Super League anytime soon.
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