Cameron Ciraldo has engineered a remarkable turnaround for the Bulldogs, using a core motto and significant cultural shifts. Inside Belmore HQ, the phrase “Club First, Team Second, Individual Third” is emblazoned on the walls in Canterbury-Bankstown blue. This motto, Ciraldo emphasizes, has been “passed down over time” and is a daily focus for the team.
This mantra was already present even during last year’s low point, when Ciraldo watched from the stands as his team suffered a humiliating 66-0 defeat to Newcastle. Despite being the NRL’s worst defenders and facing various controversies involving players like Andrew Davey, Tevita Pangai Jnr, and Jackson Topine, this loss marked a turning point for the Bulldogs.
Ciraldo reflects on that day as a “dark day” but one that highlighted the issues needing resolution. Sitting in a chair once occupied by coaching legends such as Warren Ryan, Phil Gould, and Steve Folkes, Ciraldo discusses the transformation of his team, previously conceding an average of 32 points per game, making them the league’s worst defensive team.
By mid-2024, the Bulldogs have exceeded expectations, performing on par with the top eight teams and demonstrating robust defense. Their progress was evident in a recent 32-2 victory over Newcastle, a stark contrast to their previous defeats. Ciraldo attributes this change not to a new defensive system, but to a cultural shift.
The coach explains that the defensive structure, which had brought success to Penrith, was the same one he implemented in 2023. The difference was in the team’s culture. Ciraldo candidly notes that they parted ways with players who couldn’t adapt and brought in new talent capable of following the system.
The new recruits, each with their unique backgrounds, have contributed to the team’s revival. For instance, Bronson Xerri, despite his 2020 drug conviction, and Jaemon Salmon, once branded a “weak-gutted dog” by Ricky Stuart, have found new beginnings at the Bulldogs. Josh Curran, who missed games due to a bar brawl, and Kurt Mann, initially criticized by fans, have also joined the team.
Ciraldo’s personal history adds depth to his coaching journey. Raised by his grandmother Vilda, who never owned a car, he often walked with her through Belmore, forming deep connections and learning resilience. This upbringing, combined with his commitment to the Bulldogs’ motto, has been instrumental in the team’s transformation.
As Ciraldo recalls his childhood, he emphasizes how those early experiences shaped him. Walking to Canterbury RSL with his grandmother, always with a lollipop in his mouth from a kind store owner, taught him valuable lessons that he now imparts to his team. His journey reflects a continual conversion, echoing the transformation he seeks to instill within the Bulldogs.
Under Ciraldo’s leadership, the Bulldogs have not only improved their performance but also redefined their identity. The team’s revival, driven by a steadfast motto and cultural change, illustrates the profound impact of Ciraldo’s approach. The Bulldogs’ story is one of resilience, adaptation, and a commitment to collective success, proving that the right culture can lead to remarkable achievements.
