Fijian young talent Jethro Rinakama has secured his future with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs as he signed a contract extension that will keep him with the club until 2027. The impressive 18-year-old winger made a notable impact during his first-grade debut, scoring two tries in the Bulldogs’ 20-14 Pre-Season Challenge victory over the Wests Tigers. This performance has led many to view him as a crucial component of the club’s future plans.
Rinakama, who also represented Fiji in the 2024 Pacific Championships, comes from a strong rugby lineage, being the son of former Naitasiri and Fiji 15s utility back Adriu Rinakama. His contract extension is part of the Bulldogs’ broader strategy to build a competitive team following a solid 2024 season, especially after their exit in the elimination finals. Securing Rinakama is seen as a significant step toward this goal.
With his remarkable speed, skill, and finishing ability, Rinakama aims to increase his first-grade minutes in the upcoming season, contributing to the Bulldogs as they strive to improve their standing in the league. This alignment with the future vision of the Bulldogs is hopeful not just for Rinakama but also for the team’s trajectory in the National Rugby League.
Additionally, this contract extension resonates with the Bulldogs’ ongoing commitment to fostering talent from Fiji, a theme echoed in their recent collaboration with the Kaiviti Silktails, which focuses on nurturing rugby league talent from the island nation. As the Bulldogs continue to strengthen their ties to Fiji, alongside a representative lineup of Fijian players for upcoming championships, it highlights a promising future both for Rinakama and the club.
Leave a comment