Retired former Bulldogs skipper Josh Jackson has taken up a new role as a strength and conditioning coach for the club.
Meanwhile, Raiders winger Jordan Rapana requires knee surgery after New Zealand’s World Cup tilt ended in the semi-finals.
And Knights utility Simi Sasagi is set for a long stint on the sidelines after requiring a full shoulder reconstruction.
Read on for the latest NRL news in Off-season Central.
JACKSON’S NEW POST-RETIREMENT BULLDOGS ROLE
Retired former Bulldogs skipper Josh Jackson has taken up a new role as a strength and conditioning coach for the club.
Bulldogs.com.au reported Jackson completed a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science during his career and will stay on at Belmore as a strength and conditioning coach.
“Whether it is on the field, or off the field, the fact remains that Josh is an invaluable member of our Team and our Bulldogs Family,” Bulldogs CEO Aaron Warburton said.
“He has been a player that has invested in studies and looked to build a career outside of sport and we’ve long supported that.
“We have seen his value, his work ethic, and what he can bring to his teammates well beyond his post as a captain and player, and we are thrilled to see him transition into an official role within the Club.
MORE NRL NEWS
BARK BACK: How Dogs rediscovered their DNA, the key signing set to end NRL circus
‘WASN’T ANYTHING THERE’: Klemmer reveals why he quit Knights for Tigers switch
XMAS WISHES: Broncos’ big hope as Dolphins face worrying void; Eels sweat on duo
‘GAME DOESN’T SLOW DOWN’: Hastings reveals Joey’s advice after Knights switch
TRANSFER CENTRE: Tigers hand boom young gun bumper contract extension
“To retain him in the blue and white is a huge win for us [the Bulldogs].”
Jackson is excited to work with one of the best in the industry in Bulldogs’ High-Performance Manager, Travis Touma.
“I’m really grateful that I’m able to stay on with the Club in the strength and conditioning role. It’s made the transition really easy for me,” Jackson said.
“I’ll still be around footy and around the boys and staff. So, I’m really looking forward to and excited about the next chapter. I’m excited to work with Travis and I think what excites me the most is being able to have a hand in the development of younger players.
“To see what it means to them [to debut] and their families, we get a great deal of satisfaction from it. And now I get to have a hands-on role in the physical preparation side of things.
“If I can help pass on a little bit of experience and guidance and things that I’ve learned along the way, and it helps them in their careers, it’s certainly something that’ll be satisfying for me.”
RAIDERS STAR SET FOR KNEE SURGERY AFTER WORLD CUP
Raiders winger Jordan Rapana requires knee surgery after New Zealand’s World Cup tilt ended in the semi-finals.
The Kiwis veteran will go under the knife to have a cyst removed from his knee and will get a clean-out before returning for the Raiders.
The latest blow to the Raiders’ outside backs stocks follows surgery to co-captain Jarrod Croker and youngster Harley Smith-Shields in the past 12 months.
The Raiders have a number of exciting youngsters keeping pressure on Rapana in Matt Timoko, Sebastian Kris, Semi Valemei, Xavier Savage, James Schiller and Albert Hopoate, who are all 23 or younger.
However, Rapana is expected to be fit for a return to pre-season in January ahead of the trials in February.
Rapana turns 34 next season and is entering the final year of his deal, which could see the curtain come down on his glittering career for the Green Machine.
Rapana has scored 94 tries in 180 games for the Titans and Raiders since debuting in 2008, while he has also played 16 Tests for New Zealand.
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
KNIGHTS UTILITY SET TO MISS CHUNK OF SEASON AFTER SURGERY
Knights utility Simi Sasagi is set for a long stint on the sidelines after requiring a full shoulder reconstruction.
The Newcastle Herald reported Sasagi will go under the knife and could miss as much as half of next season depending on his recovery and rehabilitation.
The 21 year-old, who played in 14 of Newcastle’s 24 games in 2022, injured his left shoulder during the start of pre-season.
Sasagi debuted for the Knights in 2021 at centre and was seen as a long-term five-eighth prospect for the club, before being shifted from utility to lock last season.
Provided there’s no further setbacks, a shoulder reconstruction requires six months on the sidelines, which would leave Sasagi to return to the playing field around Origin time next season.
Sasagi was considered to be in the running for a spot in the Knights’ new look backline, which will feature Jackson Hastings at halfback and Kalyn Ponga likely at five-eighth.
However, the shoulder injury means Kurt Mann will likely fill the bench utility role with Adam Elliott expected to start at lock.
