The Bulldogs have formally applied to the NRL for an urgent salary cap resolution surrounding young gun Karl Oloapu, who faces an uncertain future as he recovers from delicate neck surgery.

In a situation which almost mirrors that of St George Illawarra fullback Cody Ramsey, who is also battling to return to the field after a debilitating illness, the Bulldogs have lodged an appeal with the NRL for possible cap dispensation.

Hailed as one of the hottest young prospects in the game - triggering the Bulldogs to pay the Broncos a $500,000 transfer fee to bring him to Sydney - Oloapu won’t play in 2024 after undergoing surgery late last year.

The 19-year-old remains in the Bulldogs’ top 30 squad and is owed more than $1 million over the rest of his deal, which is not due to expire until the end of 2026.

The club want to give Oloapu hope of returning to the field one day, but sources familiar with the situation not authorised to speak publicly warned various medical opinions last year recommended the teenager not to risk the possibility of a catastrophic injury.

The application to the NRL, which has been sent recently, is not for a medical retirement given Oloapu is so young, but to give the Bulldogs clarity over how his salary should be treated.

Canterbury officials have stressed to Oloapu their primary concern is his wellbeing and want to give him as long as possible for his condition to improve.

He has still had a presence around the club’s Belmore base and coach Cameron Ciraldo has used the time since his surgery to help Oloapu broaden his knowledge of the game.