Bulldogs Players Rank Coaching Staff Best in NRL, 12 Months After Top Sacking
Twelve months ago, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs were in disarray. The club was reeling from a series of poor performances, underwhelming results, and a coaching staff under intense scrutiny. Fast forward to the present day, and the Bulldogs are a team transformed, boasting one of the most respected coaching teams in the NRL, as ranked by their own players.
The turnaround in the club’s fortunes, particularly after the sacking of former head coach Trent Barrett midway through the 2021 season, has been nothing short of remarkable. Since Barrett’s departure, the Bulldogs have invested in a new coaching philosophy that has reinvigorated the team and improved player morale. It’s a story of resilience, leadership, and belief — values that are now reflected in the team’s performance and their newfound ranking in the eyes of their players.
A Year of Change
The events leading up to Barrett’s departure were marked by frustration and disappointment. Despite a flurry of high-profile signings, including NRL veterans like Josh Addo-Carr and Matt Burton, the Bulldogs struggled to find form. Barrett’s sacking was met with mixed reactions, but it became clear that a new direction was needed for the club to start winning again.
Enter Cameron Ciraldo, the former Penrith Panthers assistant coach who was appointed as the Bulldogs’ new head coach ahead of the 2023 season. Ciraldo, who had been a key figure in Penrith’s dominant coaching staff, was lauded for his tactical acumen, leadership qualities, and his ability to develop young talent. It didn’t take long for his influence to be felt at Belmore, with the Bulldogs showing immediate improvements in their style of play.
Bulldogs Players Praise Coaching Staff
As part of an annual survey of NRL players and staff, the Bulldogs coaching team has received glowing reviews. According to the results, Bulldogs players ranked their coaching staff as one of the best in the league, a testament to Ciraldo’s leadership and the collective efforts of his assistants. Players cited a number of reasons for their high rating, including improved structures, clear communication, and a supportive environment where players felt they could thrive.
One of the standout elements of Ciraldo’s coaching style has been his emphasis on building a strong, cohesive team culture. The Bulldogs’ players consistently mention how much they appreciate the open-door policy, which allows them to discuss their concerns and ideas with the coaching staff. This approach has fostered an environment of trust and mutual respect, leading to improved morale both on and off the field.
“There’s a real sense of unity now,” said one anonymous Bulldogs player in the survey. “Ciraldo’s vision has made us a lot more accountable to each other. We’re all on the same page, and you can see it in the way we play.”
Another player echoed similar sentiments, noting that the focus on individual development has made a big difference. “The coaching staff works with you individually, not just as part of the team. They genuinely care about how you’re growing as a player and as a person.”
Player Development: The Key to Success
A key element of Ciraldo’s philosophy has been developing young talent, something that was highlighted during his time at Penrith. Under his guidance, several Bulldogs players who had previously struggled to live up to their potential have flourished, including young guns like Jake Averillo and Viliame Kikau, who has made an immediate impact since his move from the Panthers. Ciraldo’s commitment to developing younger players while still utilising experienced heads like Burton and Addo-Carr has created a balanced team capable of competing at a high level.
The Bulldogs have also been praised for their innovative tactical approaches, including a well-structured attacking game plan that is more dynamic than in previous seasons. Ciraldo’s knowledge of the game and his ability to adapt to different styles of play has given the Bulldogs the flexibility to take on any opponent, even those considered to be more established powerhouses.
A Long-Term Vision
Looking ahead, the Bulldogs are now regarded as a club on the rise, with a clear and achievable path to success. The club’s management has committed to backing Ciraldo’s vision, understanding that long-term results will require a sustained effort from both the playing group and coaching staff. With a well-rounded roster and a coaching team that has quickly earned the respect of their players, the Bulldogs are looking to build on their momentum and continue climbing the NRL ladder.
The team’s impressive ranking of coaching staff is a symbol of the trust and belief that the Bulldogs players now have in their leadership. What was once a club in turmoil is now a team with a bright future, and their success can largely be attributed to the leadership and direction set by Cameron Ciraldo and his coaching staff. The Bulldogs are no longer a team to be written off — they are a club with the potential to challenge the league’s elite.
As Ciraldo and his staff continue to implement their vision, the hope is that the Bulldogs’ resurgence is only just beginning, with many more exciting seasons ahead for this proud NRL club.
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