Premiership-winning Sharks forward Jayson Bukuya has decided to retire from rugby league, effective immediately.

The Vodafone Fijian Bati who played 11 Test matches for Fiji, including appearances at the 2008 and 2013 World Cup, played in Cronulla’s 2016 grand final win made the decision to retire before the NRL returned from its COVID-19-enforced hiatus after earlier deciding this would be his final season.

Vodafone Fijian Bati coach Brandon Costin said Bukuya’s a good role model.

“He is a real team person and was always a leader within Fiji Bati camps,”Costin said. “He is a man of integrity and has devoted his life to God. If you were looking for a model for the perfect Bati player then Jason would be it. We wish him the best in his future.” Bukuya, 31, played 168 matches for the Sharks and 18 for the Warriors during a single season away from Cronulla in 2014. He made his NRL debut with the Sharks in 2008.”We wish Jayson all the best and congratulate him on a great career,” Sharks coach Morris, who also played alongside Bukuya, said.

“He will always be treasured at the club for not only being a part of the 2016 premiership-winning team but also for the great person he was.”

Roosters vs Bulldogs game delayed

Meanwhile Yesterday’s Bulldogs vs Roosters NRL game has been postponed until tonight due to a coronavirus scare.

The round five match had to be moved after a Bulldogs player’s child had a COVID-19 incident at their school.

A teacher at Laguna Street PS tested positive to coronavirus and the school will close for nearly a fortnight, it was revealed on Saturday.The Bulldogs vs Roosters match was scheduled for 4.05pm at Bankwest Stadium.-nrl,com

Round five results: Sea Eagles 20-18 Broncos, Warriors 31-26 Cowboys, Eels 16-10 Panthers, Rabbitohs 32-12 Titans, Knights 12-26 Storm, Wests Tigers 6-14 Raiders.-nrl.com

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