LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have turned their fortunes around with a strategic rebuild that is setting them up for success in the next decade.
Despite initial doubts from fans when Cameron Ciraldo was appointed as coach on a five-year deal, he has now led the team to their first finals appearance in nearly ten years.
The club's focus on long-term sustainability, rather than short-term fixes, has been key to their resurgence.
Under the leadership of NRL supremo Phil Gould, the Bulldogs have avoided making costly signings and instead concentrated on building a strong foundation for the future.
This approach has seen them opt out of pursuing star players like Ben Hunt, Mitchell Moses, and Daly Cherry-Evans.
By prioritizing the development of their pathways system and nurturing young talents, such as Mitchell Woods, Bailey Hayward, and Blake Wilson, the Bulldogs have positioned themselves as a formidable team for years to come.
Fans are now starting to see the benefits of this patient and strategic approach, as the Bulldogs' lower grades have become one of the top junior bases in the league.
This has not only helped the club avoid sinking further into a salary cap abyss but has also set them up for sustained success in the long run.
The focus on building a championship squad from the ground up has been a significant departure from past practices of chasing expensive signings, and it seems to be paying off.
As the Bulldogs continue on this path of sustainable growth and development, they are laying the groundwork for a successful future.
With a strong core of emerging talents and a commitment to long-term success, the Bulldogs' rebuild under Gould and Ciraldo is proving to be the right approach for a team that was once mired in turmoil.