Bulldogs Players Rank Coaching Staff Best in NRL, 12 Months After Topine Sacking: A Transformative Year for the Club
The year 2024 has been one of remarkable change and rejuvenation for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, particularly in terms of their coaching staff and internal culture. A significant shift in the club’s fortunes, both on and off the field, has been heralded by an internal survey in which Bulldogs players ranked their coaching staff as the best in the National Rugby League (NRL). This endorsement is particularly poignant given the turbulent period that the club went through just 12 months ago, including the high-profile sacking of assistant coach Steve Topine. What has transpired since then is a story of transformation, stability, and a renewed sense of purpose, which has not only revitalized the team but also fostered a winning culture that many thought was slipping away.
The Impact of the Steve Topine Sacking
The Bulldogs’ 2023 season was defined by instability both on the field and within the coaching ranks. The sacking of Steve Topine as an assistant coach in late 2023 was one of the major headlines that cast a shadow over the club. Topine had been a part of the Bulldogs’ coaching staff for a considerable period and his removal raised questions about the direction in which the team was heading. While Topine’s dismissal was ultimately seen as a necessary change for the club’s culture and progress, it left a sense of uncertainty hanging over the future of the team.
In his tenure, Topine had been tasked with overseeing the forwards and the defensive structures of the Bulldogs. However, the team had struggled to put together consistent performances, particularly in the forward pack. The Bulldogs were known for their grit and resilience, but often lacked the polished execution needed to compete with the league’s top teams. The decision to part ways with Topine was seen as a signal that more drastic changes were required to realign the club’s ambitions and standards.
This change, however, was not an easy one for the players or the coaching staff. Disrupting an established system always comes with short-term risks, but it also brings long-term opportunities. The 2024 season became an opportunity for the Bulldogs to rebuild their identity, and the decision to move on from Topine ultimately proved to be the catalyst for the changes that followed.
The Coaching Staff Rebuild: From Turmoil to Triumph
After the sacking of Topine, the Bulldogs’ management swiftly moved to restructure their coaching staff in a bid to restore confidence within the club. One of the most significant steps taken was the hiring of a new head coach who brought with them a fresh approach, and more importantly, a new philosophy. This shift in leadership quickly found resonance with the playing group, who were looking for clarity, structure, and leadership to guide them through a period of uncertainty.
Head Coach Cameron Ciraldo, who was appointed in 2024 after a successful stint as an assistant coach with the Penrith Panthers, has been central to the Bulldogs’ resurgence. Ciraldo brought with him a wealth of knowledge from a system that had not only been successful but had become the benchmark of excellence in the NRL. His tactical acumen, player management skills, and ability to foster a winning culture immediately made an impact.
Ciraldo’s appointment set the tone for a wider reshaping of the Bulldogs’ coaching philosophy. Rather than focusing on reactive strategies or pushing the players too hard in the short term, the new coaching staff emphasized a holistic and patient approach. Ciraldo’s calm, structured style allowed the team to build confidence gradually, and his ability to develop younger players was particularly lauded.
The recruitment of other coaching staff members, many of whom were integral to the Panthers’ success, also paid dividends. With an emphasis on building a cohesive and effective unit, the Bulldogs’ coaching staff brought about a transformation in the way the players approached their training, games, and teamwork. This shift in attitude was reflected in the players’ on-field performances, and by mid-2024, the Bulldogs began to show the resilience and poise expected of a top-tier NRL team.
Players’ Praise for Coaching Staff: A Mark of Success
In an internal survey conducted by the Bulldogs, their players were asked to rate the coaching staff in various categories, including leadership, communication, tactical awareness, and player development. The result was overwhelmingly positive, with the coaching staff receiving the highest praise across the league, ranking as the best in the NRL according to their own players. This was a striking contrast to the frustrations expressed by the players just a year prior when the team’s direction seemed uncertain and the relationships within the club were strained.
What stood out in the survey results was the high level of respect that the players had for their coaches. For many, the shift in coaching styles and philosophy under Ciraldo felt like a breath of fresh air. The emphasis on clear, open communication and the fostering of mutual respect created an environment in which players could thrive. The results spoke for themselves: the Bulldogs enjoyed a significantly improved win rate, and their defensive structure was far more solid than in previous seasons. The players themselves were quick to acknowledge the positive influence of their coaching staff.
Key Player Contributions: Some of the standout players for the Bulldogs in 2024 attributed their personal improvements to the guidance of the coaching staff. For instance, young stars like Jacob Kiraz and Matt Burton have flourished under Ciraldo’s regime, with their attacking play and decision-making improving exponentially. Veteran players like Josh Jackson and Ava Seumanufagai also noted how the coaches have instilled a renewed sense of belief and accountability, allowing the team to find new ways to win.
The trust between the players and coaches grew over time, as Ciraldo’s clear vision for the team aligned with the players’ aspirations. The sense of unity within the team became evident as the Bulldogs started playing with a newfound cohesion. This unity on the field reflected the growing bond between the players and their coaching staff, which was solidified through consistent support and positive reinforcement.
The Tactical and Philosophical Shift Under Ciraldo
The change in coaching philosophy that came with Ciraldo was a significant factor in the Bulldogs’ improvement. The team’s defense, once a source of major concern, was transformed into a much more resilient unit. The Bulldogs went from conceding an average of 25+ points per game in previous seasons to being one of the most defensively disciplined teams in the league in 2024.
Ciraldo’s defensive systems, which were implemented with help from his coaching staff, emphasized strong line-speed, disciplined tackling, and a commitment to a structured defensive line. This made the Bulldogs much harder to break down, especially against top-tier attacking teams. Furthermore, Ciraldo emphasized a balanced attack that utilized the strength of his forwards while also encouraging creativity in the backs. The Bulldogs began to develop a more cohesive attacking structure that allowed them to score points more consistently, with the likes of Matt Burton and Jake Averillo making significant contributions to the team’s attack.
Perhaps one of the most notable aspects of Ciraldo’s approach was his emphasis on player development. Recognizing that many of the Bulldogs’ young players were still in the early stages of their careers, Ciraldo and his staff worked to build a development pipeline that would ensure sustained success for years to come. This long-term thinking has helped stabilize the team and encouraged the players to invest in their own growth.
The Road Ahead: Sustaining Success
While the praise from the players is a testament to the coaching staff’s effectiveness, it is important to note that maintaining this level of success will require continued effort from both the coaching staff and the players. The NRL is an incredibly competitive league, and sustained excellence is difficult to achieve. However, the Bulldogs’ newfound direction under Ciraldo provides a solid foundation for future success.
The next step for the Bulldogs will be to continue developing their younger players and building their depth, particularly in key positions such as the forwards and halves. The club will also need to maintain its defensive discipline and attacking fluidity to compete with the league’s top teams consistently.
As the 2024 season progresses, the Bulldogs will look to build on the momentum they have generated under their coaching staff. The respect and trust that now exist between the players and coaches are invaluable assets that will continue to drive the club forward. With a strong coaching staff at the helm, the Bulldogs have the potential to return to the upper echelons of the NRL in the coming years.
Conclusion: A Story of Rebirth and Redemption
The Bulldogs’ rise from a period of instability to their current position as one of the best-coached teams in the NRL is a remarkable tale of transformation. Just 12 months ago, the club was mired in uncertainty, with the sacking of Steve Topine casting a long shadow. However, with the appointment of Cameron Ciraldo and his coaching staff, the Bulldogs have turned a corner. The positive feedback from the players reflects the significant strides the club has made in terms of leadership, structure, and overall development.
This period of rejuvenation is far from over, but the Bulldogs now have a coaching staff that is not only trusted by the players but is also highly respected across the league. For the first time in a long while, the future looks bright for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, and with the right blend of youth, experience, and coaching expertise, they are poised to challenge for a place at the top of the NRL once again.
