SYDNEY, 23 February 2026 – Former Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs forward Jackson Topine has officially settled a long-running legal dispute with his former club, clearing the way for a return to professional rugby league. The resolution comes just days before the Bulldogs are set to open their 2026 NRL campaign in Las Vegas.
Legal Battle Concluded
On Sunday, 22 February 2026, it was confirmed that Topine had dropped his A$4 million legal claim against the Bulldogs. The lawsuit, which had been active for nearly two years, alleged that Topine was subjected to “psychiatric injury and humiliation” following a disciplinary wrestling session in 2023. The claim stated he was forced to wrestle up to 35 teammates as punishment for being late to training.
The matter was scheduled for a high-profile hearing in the NSW Supreme Court this week. However, Topine’s lawyer, Abdul Reslan, confirmed that the case has been resolved and dismissed. While the specific terms of the settlement remain confidential, the conclusion of the case removes a significant legal cloud that has hung over the Belmore club and the player since April 2024.
New NRL Contract Secured
Following the dismissal of the court case, Topine has reportedly secured a new contract with a rival NRL club. While the specific team has not been officially unveiled in the immediate wake of the settlement, reports indicate that the 24-year-old forward is set to resume his career after being out of the top-flight system since the end of the 2023 season.
Topine, a former Māori All Stars representative, was once considered one of the brightest prospects in the Bulldogs’ system before the legal dispute effectively halted his progress at the club.
Jackson Topine: Career Statistics
Before the legal hiatus, Topine was a versatile forward known for his work rate in the second row. The following data reflects his professional tenure with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Bulldogs Career | 2021–2023 |
| NRL Appearances | 16 |
| Tries | 1 |
| Points | 4 |
| Representative Honours | Māori All Stars |
| Position | Second-row / Lock |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jackson Topine sue the Bulldogs?
Topine launched a A$4 million lawsuit alleging he suffered physical and mental trauma after being forced to wrestle dozens of teammates as a “punishment” for arriving late to a training session in July 2023. He claimed the incident ended his ability to play professional sport at the time.
What was the outcome of the court case?
As of 22 February 2026, the legal case has been dropped and dismissed. The parties reached a resolution outside of court, ending nearly two years of litigation.
Is Jackson Topine still playing rugby league?
Yes. Following the settlement of his legal case, Topine has reportedly signed a new contract with a rival NRL club for the 2026 season, marking his return to the professional ranks after a two-year absence.
Who did Jackson Topine play for?
Topine played his entire junior and early professional career with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, making his debut in 2021. He also represented the Māori All Stars.