“We understand why the NRL have this rule in place with regards to protecting the integrity of the salary cap, however, this is clearly a legitimate and unique set of circumstances,” Bulldogs chief executive Aaron Warburton said.

“To have our 2023 salary cap impacted in this way doesn’t lend itself to a positive message when it comes to supporting our player’s post-football career prospects.

“During Josh’s long career at the Bulldogs, his only NRL club, we have assisted him in his studies to prepare him for his post-football career opportunities. Whilst with the club, he has completed a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science, with the intention of making this his post-football career.

“Ironically, if Josh retired and joined another NRL club in the same role, there would be no salary cap impact for either club. How does it make more sense for a decorated Bulldogs captain to work for another club more than his own?”

The Bulldogs are adamant they were unaware of Jackson’s plans to retire and did not hold any special acknowledgment for the former State of Origin warhorse in what proved to be his final game. He was made a life member of the club at their annual general meeting last month.

Asked about the Bulldogs’ cap exemption request on Wednesday, an NRL spokesperson said: “The current NRL rules simply do not permit this and these rules have been applied consistently to all clubs since the inception of the salary cap in 1998.

“The salary cap auditor’s view has consistently been to not exclude payments made to a player in the form of a job, should they choose to finish their playing career early and remain at the club in some capacity.

“It is great that a player is able to transition to employment at the club, but salary cap relief cannot be obtained under these conditions for pre-existing contractual commitments.”

The Bulldogs have also been unable to access a $50,000 allowance for Jackson, used at other clubs for players moving out of a top 30 squad into other employment within the club.

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The NRL has previously ruled on Greg Inglis’ $1 million salary when he unexpectedly quit the game in 2019 with 18 months still to run on his contract.

South Sydney had to count the amount Inglis earned before his mid-season retirement on that year’s salary cap, plus any off-field income for coaching, ambassador and community roles.

The Bulldogs’ forward stocks have taken a huge hit in the early part of the season with English international Thompson undergoing surgery on a ruptured Lisfranc ligament last week. He’s expected to be sidelined until round 16.

Pangai jnr (calf) is not due back until round four at the earliest, while Chris Patolo (knee) joins Thompson as another middle forward who won’t be available until the State of Origin period. Recruit Andrew Davey is also sidelined with concussion.

It’s proven an early problem for Ciraldo, who remains active in the market for a forward replacement on short notice.

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