Josh Jackson’s shock NRL retirement leaves Bulldogs with $500,000 of salary cap space
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Josh Jackson’s Shock NRL Retirement Puts Bulldogs For Big Signing Sessions Thanks To Additional Salary Cap Room
- Veteran Bulldogs star announced his retirement from the NRL on Thursday
- Made its debut in 2012, leaves the sport great in the eyes of many fans
- Bulldogs GM Phil Gould labeled Jackson a ‘great servant and leader’
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Josh Jackson’s retirement from the NRL has shocked Bulldogs fans, but the upside is that the club now has a $500,000 salary cap to chase down new players for next season.
Jackson, 31, told new Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo and football GM Phil Gould two weeks ago that he was ready — then informed teammates via text on Thursday.
The stalwart Belmore legend was set to raise $600,000 in 2023, so retiring was a huge decision.
But after 241 club games – and further appearances with NSW Country, the Blues in State of Origin and for Australia – Jackson listened to his body.
The two-time Dally M second rower of the year – also captain of the Bulldogs – is not expected to be lost with the club, with Gould hinting at an off-field role.
Josh Jackson’s NRL retirement shocked many Bulldogs fans on Thursday – but now the club has extra salary cap to take on new players for 2023 and beyond
Matt Burton has been touted as a likely candidate to become Canterbury’s next skipper in the NRL
‘What a player. What a great man. Bulldog to the bone. Great servant and leader for this great club. Pensions are always sad, but time to look back on a wonderful career. A true Origin player,” Gould wrote.
‘The future? Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog. Watch this space.’
Chairman John Khoury added that Jackson “will continue to inspire the Bulldogs team and our community for many years to come” before adding the announcement and making it a “sad day.”
A portion of Jackson’s 2023 salary will be used to boost tree five-eighth Matt Burton’s salary – and to accommodate the arrival of Viliame Kikau, Reed Mahoney and Ryan Sutton who will soon be joining the club.
It also increased the Bulldogs’ chances of making a major new purchase for 2023.
With the likes of Stephen Crichton, Mitchell Moses, Jeremiah Nanai, Joseph Suaalii, Dylan Brown and Brian To’o among the candidates, as they are all unsigned after next season, Canterbury fans should be licking their lips in anticipation.
And from November 1, all 17 NRL clubs will be able to formally approach players with contract offers for 2024 and beyond.
Jackson announced the news to his teammates on Thursday via a WhatsApp message, finishing his career as a club man.
He is held in the same esteem as legendary Bulldogs such as Hazem El Masri, Steve Mortimer, Terry Lamb and Andrew Ryan, all of whom have made over 200 appearances for the ‘family club’.
Candidates to replace Jackson as skipper include Eels recruit Mahoney, winger Josh Addo-Carr, current World Cup star Burton or England prop Luke Thompson.