Mark O'Meley is stepping into his inaugural senior elite coaching position as the new head coach for Canterbury's NRLW team, part of a club overhaul.
Officials at the Bulldogs announced on Wednesday that O'Meley will take on this role starting next year, while Brayden Wiliame transitions to a men's pathways position.
This move is expected to provide Canterbury with stability, particularly as nearly two-thirds of their roster will be out of contract by the end of 2026.
O'Meley is well-respected within the club, having served in the pathways department and previously coaching the Wyong Roos.
He gained experience coaching U18s and U20s NSW men's teams after retiring from the NRL in 2013.
"I'm incredibly grateful and blessed to be given the opportunity to be the NRLW head coach for 2027," he stated.
"It's a role I'm extremely proud of and one I don't take lightly."
O'Meley emphasized his coaching philosophy: "My philosophy has always been about building strong connections, setting high standards, keeping things simple and making sure we're the best we can be at the basics."
"We'll be tough, we'll be connected and we'll be hungry to get better every day. The details matter, but so does enjoying the journey together."
Between 2002 and 2007, O'Meley played 110 NRL matches for Canterbury and was part of their 2004 grand-final victory.
He also played for the North Sydney Bears, Northern Eagles, and Sydney Roosters, before spending four years with Hull FC in the English Super League.
The Bulldogs are still in the race for their first NRLW finals berth this year, sitting just one win outside the top six, despite a challenging points differential.
Since joining the competition last year, Canterbury has matched their total victories from the entire 2025 season in just the first six rounds.