LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Bulldogs coach Trent Robinson has stepped into the fray amidst the club's legal wrangling with former player Jackson Topine, in a move that has left fans scratching their heads.
The Bulldogs, embroiled in a hefty $4 million legal battle with their ex-player, have found themselves in hot water over allegations of mistreatment during Topine's time at the club.
Topine's claim stems from a particularly brutal training session where he was made to wrestle a whopping 35 teammates in rapid succession as a punishment for tardiness.
This type of tough love is not uncommon in the world of professional sports, but Topine's camp argues that it crossed a line into the realm of unlawful corporal punishment.
The whole debacle has left Topine feeling a slew of negative emotions, from humiliation to anxiety, and he is seeking a hefty sum in damages as a result.
The 22-year-old's career has stagnated since the incident, with only 16 NRL games under his belt.
His legal team is now gearing up for a showdown in the NSW Supreme Court, with Topine gunning for a $4 million payout based on potential lost earnings in the game.
It's a messy situation that could have far-reaching consequences for both player and club, and only time will tell how it all plays out on the field.