LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In a recent revelation amid ugly drama at the Bulldogs, winger Josh Addo-Carr has come to the defense of rookie coach Cameron Ciraldo and the culture at the club.
The NRL side has been plagued by negative headlines and turmoil in recent weeks.
Concerns over Ciraldo's strict training methods were put under scrutiny after a fringe Bulldogs squad member took mental-health leave following a punishing wrestling session as punishment for lateness.
Ciraldo has remained unapologetic about his tough approach and has received praise from Bulldogs general manager of football, Phil Gould, for his discipline.
However, reports have emerged of divisions among Bulldogs players regarding the wrestling punishment, training loads, and the length of work days at the club, leading to an angry response from club legend Willie Mason.
Ciraldo has acknowledged that the club's culture needs fixing and is set to undergo another player shake-up before the 2024 season.
Mason has claimed that Ciraldo plans to "weed out" players who don't meet his expectations, indicating his preference for players who are willing to adapt to his demands.
Despite finishing 15th in Ciraldo's rookie season, Addo-Carr, who joined the Bulldogs in 2022, has expressed his support for the coach and the methods and culture he is trying to establish at the club.