The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have signed Melino ‘Lino’ Fineanganofo, an outside back from the Western Clydesdales.
The Clydesdales announced on Saturday that Fineanganofo will join the Bulldogs after a self-imposed break from rugby league. He will go to Sydney in November to begin pre-season with the club’s top 30 squad.
In an underdog narrative, the outside back reached a crossroads in his life a few years ago.
He took a break from rugby league to focus on his well-being, but eventually returned to the sport.
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Fineanganofo plays in the centre and is noted for being an enforcer in defence while also being a talented, skilled player with the ball in attack.
“It is always an aspiration and dream for any of us playing rugby league, and it was definitely a goal to be noticed, but I didn’t think anything would come out of playing for the Clydesdales until later in the season,” Fineanganofo told the Western Clydesdales website.
“So it has happened sooner than I imagined, and I know it would never have been possible without the support, advice, and belief of Jason (Jason Alchin – head coach of Clydesdales), his wife Sheree, and family.
Although signing with the Bulldogs does not guarantee an NRL debut, Fineanganofo remains focused and determined to establish his worth.
“The real work begins now. I will relocate to Sydney to start the Bulldogs pre-season in November in the top 30 squad, and we will see what happens from there,” he added.
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