Coach Cameron Ciraldo of the Bulldogs has rejected claims that young forward Jack Underhill has asked to leave the club early and return to Queensland. At just 22 years old, Underhill is recognized as one of the league's top emerging forwards. He debuted in Round 11 against Cronulla but has only appeared in seven first-grade matches this season.
For most of the year, he has been working in reserve grade, despite his strong reputation. The Daily Telegraph reported that Underhill is frustrated with his playing time and "wants out" of the Bulldogs. He is under contract with Canterbury until the end of 2028, but sources suggest his management has approached club leaders about an early release. Although Underhill cannot engage with other teams until November 1, 2027, he is said to have requested permission to negotiate sooner.
Ciraldo refuted these rumors on Friday afternoon, stating, "He hasn't personally come to me and asked for that, so that's not true. With the season on the line, it's disappointing that something like that has been leaked to the media."
Originally from the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Underhill may find more first-grade chances with the Broncos, especially with Payne Haas slated to join South Sydney in 2027 and Corey Jensen retiring for medical reasons. The Broncos have made signings like Mitch Barnett and Shawn Blore but are still perceived to need more depth in their forward lineup.
Underhill began his career with the Sunshine Coast Falcons, previously a feeder club for the Melbourne Storm, and is reportedly eager to return to Queensland. If he receives an early release, it would likely upset Bulldogs fans who want to see him play at the NRL level consistently.
NRL reporter Ethan Lee Chalk stated it would be a "massive loss" for the Bulldogs if these claims are true, adding, "He has the talent to play in the Origin arena one day," and called Underhill "extremely underrated."
The Bulldogs have experienced considerable turnover lately, with fellow front-rower Lipoi Hopoi reportedly joining Canberra for 2027. Hopoi has appeared in 17 NRL matches but, similar to Underhill, has faced challenges in securing regular first-grade time. Other young talents like Jai Callaghan, Mikey Nassar, Jope Rauqe, and David Bryenton have also left this year without making their first-grade debuts. Additionally, forwards Fletcher Baker and Daniel Suluka-Fifita moved mid-season to join Manly and St Helens, respectively, and Marcelo Montoya has retired effective immediately, while centre Bronson Xerri has signed with the Melbourne Storm for 2027.