Canterbury have secured a major double coup on the eve of the finals, extending the contracts of coach Cameron Ciraldo and general manager Phil Gould until the end of the 2031 season.
With the Bulldogs set to embark on their second consecutive finals series under the Gould-Ciraldo regime, the board has rewarded the club’s two most influential figures with long-term deals in an attempt to ensure stability and longevity.
The Bulldogs are putting the finishing touches on a contract extension for skipper Stephen Crichton, who is also in negotiations to remain at the club until the end of 2031.
Gould joined the Bulldogs in 2021 and has overseen a roster overhaul while appointing Ciraldo as Trent Barrett’s successor for the 2023 season.
“Gus has completely transformed how we operate as a football club,” Bulldogs chairman Adam Driussi said.
“His vision and experience have been invaluable in getting us back to where we belong. Having him locked in until 2031 means we can continue building on the solid foundations he’s established here at Belmore.
Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo and general manager Phil Gould have re-signed until 2031.Credit: Canterbury Bulldogs
Ciraldo knocked back a lucrative five-year offer from Wests Tigers to join Gould’s Canterbury revolution. The Bulldogs finished 15th in his first season in charge.
Ciraldo set about changing the standards at the club during that first season, when several players were moved on. He took the team to sixth position in his second year, but they were knocked out in the first week of the finals by Manly.
