Jack Underhill will remain with Canterbury after reconsidering whether to seek a release from the club.
News Corp reports that the young Queensland-born forward recently met coach Cameron Ciraldo and football boss Phil Gould.
Ciraldo reportedly assured Underhill that he still has a genuine NRL future, despite being dropped late in Canterbury's disappointing 2026 campaign.
Underhill debuted in Round 11 and played his first seven top-grade matches through the middle before returning to the NSW Cup.
The 2024 Jersey Flegg grand final player of the match is regarded as one of the sport's leading junior prospects.
He is contracted until the end of 2028, meaning he would have required Canterbury's approval to leave.
Underhill signed that agreement in late 2024 and cannot freely negotiate with rival clubs until November 1 next year.
His decision strengthens Canterbury's rebuilding plans after the Bulldogs followed their 2025 top-four finish with a finals omission in 2026.
The club has vacancies in its forward pack after losing Fletcher Baker, Josh Curran, Daniel Suluka-Fifita and Lipoi Hopoi, who is joining Canberra.
With middle forwards including Max King and Leo Thompson contracted for 2027, Underhill could compete for a regular bench role.