LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In a recent development, fresh reports have surfaced regarding the increasing influence of Bulldogs supremo Phil Gould over the coach, Cameron Ciraldo.
Despite facing a rocky start to the season with just one victory against the Titans, Ciraldo remains unfazed by suggestions that his control at the Bulldogs is slipping.
Under Gould's reign as GM of Football at the club, the Bulldogs have undergone significant changes, bringing in a wave of new players.
However, these new recruits have yet to make the desired impact, leaving many to question the team's performance, particularly in key positions such as the halves and middle forwards.
Although Canterbury struggled defensively in 2023, Ciraldo seems to have made improvements in that area this season.
Nevertheless, rumors have surfaced of Gould's increased involvement at training sessions, drawing parallels to the situation that led to the departure of former coach Trent Barrett.
Barrett, who only held the coaching position from 2021 to 2022, was also recruited by Gould from the Panthers before facing an untimely exit from the Bulldogs.
Speculation surrounding Gould's level of influence has raised concerns about Ciraldo's position at the club, with some likening it to Barrett's situation before his departure.
As the Bulldogs strive to turn their season around and climb the NRL ladder, all eyes will be on Ciraldo as he navigates the challenges of coaching amidst external pressures.
Time will tell how he leads the team through this turbulent period and whether they can emerge stronger on the other side.