The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are excited to announce the re-signing of winger Jethro Rinakama until the end of the 2027 season.
The Bankstown Bulls and Chester Hill Hornets local junior has risen through the Club’s Academy ranks at a meteoric pace.
A member of the 2023 Harold Matthews Cup Premiership side, Rinakama enjoyed a breakout 2024 season, which saw him score tries in both the SG Ball Cup Grand Final, and Jersey Flegg Grand Final victory, before being rewarded with selection in the Fiji Bati’s Pacific Championships squad at the end of the year.
The 18-year-old enjoyed a taste of first-grade football in the Bulldogs’ Pre-Season Challenge victory over the Wests Tigers, holding his own against NRL players with 167 metres, three linebreaks and two tries.
Rinakama is also kept busy outside of his rugby league commitments with the promising winger currently undertaking a Bachelor of Engineering.
General Manager of Football Phil Gould AM was pleased to announce the news.
“Jethro has been a shining example of the strength of the Club’s pathways in recent seasons,” he said.
He is a bright young man both on and off the field, and we are very pleased with his development so far.
“We are confident he will be knocking on the door for a first-grade debut in the coming seasons.”
Rinakama joins the full-time squad immediately, while also continuing with his studies.
