Cameron Ciraldo: New Canterbury Bulldogs coach reveals his vision for new-look team
Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo has made a surprise declaration about one of the club’s marquee new signings.Michael Carayannis
October 13, 2022 - 5:58AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
New Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo has revealed why it “felt right” to take the reins at Belmore and the simple message he will give his players when they get down to business next month.
Cameron Ciraldo has a clear message for his new players when they come together next month.
“Work hard,” Ciraldo said. “If you’re willing to work hard there is a great opportunity. If you want to take the opportunity, come together as a group and put in the hard work who knows what can happen.”
Michael Carayannis went one-on-one with the new Bulldogs coach in the grandstands of Belmore Oval.
THE BELMORE LINK
The first time Ciraldo entered the gates at Belmore he was a bright-eyed year 4 student.
“It was one of the first NRL grounds I played on,” Ciraldo said. “I was reminiscing … my grandmother lived two streets away. It feels like home."
“I was a mad footy head. I remember Darren Smith was three seats away from me and he was the first NRL player I’d seen in person. I remember thinking ‘I’d love to be him’."
“I couldn’t imagine being in year 4 sitting in the stand that I’d go on to play footy and be part of successful teams and then become a head coach.”
THE SPOTLIGHT
Ciraldo was chased by a handful of clubs – most notably Wests Tigers. The attention around him created headlines. While he was “uncomfortable” with all the talk he was generating, Ciraldo said it would help him when he faces adversity next season.
“I was lucky – Craig Fitzgibbon had gone through it,” Ciraldo said. “He is one of my really good mates and I speak to him at least once a week. He gave me good advice.
“In a funny way, going through all the speculation did help with being ready. Being in that uncomfortable state where your name is mentioned all the time. It’s a different sort of pressure but it’s still pressure.
“There is no way you can be ready for this but I feel like I have had a good apprenticeship.
“I’ve done interim coaching where I’ve filled in for Ivan (Cleary). Not a lot of first time coaches get that experience. That counts for nothing if you can’t deal with it when the pressure is on. I have the right people around me.
“Chad Randall is the attacking coach. He is someone I’ve known for a while. I’ve known (assistant) Craig Sandercock for 20 years. Adam Hartigan will run the pathways and is someone I have a good relationship with. Gus (Phil Gould) and I have worked together a lot over the last 10 years.”
Mick Potter will also work with the team’s attack. Ciraldo agreed to an unprecedented five-year deal to join the Bulldogs.
“Over time it felt right,” Ciraldo said. “There are a lot of familiar faces here from my time at Penrith. Seeing how Gus has been able to build clubs, especially at Penrith. I know what it looks like. I’m excited to be part of that.”
THE ROSTER
The club is in advanced discussions to extend star half Matt Burton to a long-term deal – up to four more years. Ciraldo has already met halfback Kyle Flanagan.
“I have a good relationship with Matt,” Ciraldo said. “He is someone who can have a successful career at the Bulldogs."
“Kyle reached out and wanted to catch up. We spoke as people first before we started talking about footy. He is a nice young kid. He is working hard behind the scenes on different areas of his game. If everyone can do that in their spare time we are in for a successful year.
“I have no preconceived ideas about what the team will look like. I’m coming here with an open mind and clean slate.”
Ciraldo will not be the only new face, with Viliame Kikau, Reed Mahoney, Andrew Davey and Ryan Sutton joining the club next year.
“Even before their talent they have great work ethics,” Ciraldo said. “Kikau has become the best defensive player in the competition and it’s all about his work ethic. Reed is an 80-minute worker and is at the sweet spot of his career where I think he can go to another level.
“Ryan comes from a working-class town and he is a working-class guy.
“Andrew is the same. He is a guy that has been through a bit of adversity and didn’t debut until late. A guy like that will only be good for the younger guys in our squad.”
THE DOGS OF WAR
Ciraldo has already entrenched himself as part of the Bulldogs club. He met with a host of former players earlier this week including Terry Lamb, Graeme Hughes, Joe Thomas, Andrew Ryan, Willie Mason, David Gillespie and James Graham.
Crialdo said he would take his leanings off the club’s past legends but has a clear vision on what he expects from his side.
“They spoke about the successful teams at the Bulldogs,” Ciraldo said.
“A lot resonated with me in terms of how I want a footy team to look like. We have to find our own identity. We can’t be a Bulldogs team of the past.
“I want a team that is strong defensively, plays to their strengths, enjoys their footy and plays a good brand of footy. We will put a lot of emphasis on being resilient, tough and very strong defensively.”
