NRL news | Canterbury Bulldogs captain Josh Jackson to retire immediately, tells teammates
UPDATE: Bulldogs skipper Josh Jackson has shocked the club by retiring, effective immediately.
The 31-year-old forward has been the heart and soul of the Bulldogs for the past 11 seasons, playing nearly 250 games for the club.
But a series of nagging injuries in recent seasons, coupled with the thought of another pre-season, resulted in Jackson making the tough call.
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He told all his teammates in a WhatsApp group of his decision on Thursday morning.
The Bulldogs confirmed the news soon after it was broken by Wide World of Sports.
“We know this decision has not been an easy one and while it is a sad day, there is no doubt that despite not lacing up the boots and running out in 2023, he will continue to inspire the Bulldogs team and our community for many more years to come,” Bulldogs chairman John Khoury said in a statement.
“We cannot thank him enough for everything he has done for our club, but now it is time to reflect on and celebrate his wonderful career.”
The hard-working second rower is part of an exclusive group, inclusive of Hazem El Masri, Steve Mortimer, Terry Lamb, Chris Anderson, Andrew Ryan, and Aiden Tolman, who have each pulled on the blue and white jersey on more than 200 occasions.
“Josh has always epitomised what this club is about. He’s tough. He’s resilient. He leaves everything on the footy field,” added Jackson’s last head coach at the Bulldogs, Mick Potter, who took over in an interim role in 2022 after Trent Barrett resigned.
“He is and always will be, the epitome of a Bulldog.
“His efforts and professionalism are unparalleled, and it will be hard to fill that void in the team.
“Josh’s actions have always been about doing the best for the team and the club, and that is what he has done”.
Jackson was born in the bush in Gulgong but moved to the big city as a teenager and was a one club man, playing all his football in the blue and white.
He played two Tests for Australia in 2014 and nine State of Origin games for New South Wales.
He led the Bulldogs through some tough times in recent years and was always one of the club’s most popular and consistent forwards.
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