Bulldogs forward Raymond Faitala-Mariner’s is making slow but steady progress as he attempts to save his career.
Faitala-Mariner underwent a bone graft on his foot mid-year after surgery on the foot months earlier did not heal properly.
Doctors say there is a 20 per cent chance that the rampaging forward, who managed just two games for the club this season, could be forced to retire.
READ MORE: Mark Taylor’s player ratings from the MCG Ashes Test
READ MORE: Huni fight in doubt after positive COVID test
But the Bulldogs are rallying behind Faitala-Mariner, who is working hard to ensure that at 28, his career is not over.
“He still has a long way to go but he’s better this time around compared to his previous surgery for the same injury,” Bulldogs supremo Phil Gould told Wide World of Sports.
“You can’t question his courage and work ethic – he is really putting in.
“He is still in rehab and only running on 50 per cent of his body weight. But no pain so far which is encouraging. He has been able to participate in weights programs.
“No contact or tackle technique training as yet.
“We still have to get him up to supporting full body weight – then running at full speed. Then direction changes. Getting up and down and the like.
“He has barely played since 2020 so he has a lot of ground to make up. He’s giving it all he can.”
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!