Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Cameron Ciraldo Bulldogs pressure has intensified before Friday night’s Round 12 clash with Melbourne Storm, with the coach forced to address Phil Gould’s public comments during a five-game losing streak.
The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are trying to steady their season at Belmore, while questions over Lachlan Galvin’s long-term role at halfback have added another layer of scrutiny.
The build-up comes during a busy rugby league week after Nathan Cleary dismissed the State of Origin “owned” debate, while official competition updates are available through the National Rugby League website.
Ciraldo Responds to Gould Talk
Gould had suggested Galvin may not be a long-term halfback and said the Bulldogs were “rethinking everything about its operation.”
Ciraldo pushed back when asked about the wording.
“I’m not sure about the word ‘rethink’,” Ciraldo said.
“If you’re not turning up every week looking at the trends of the game, the trends of your team and what other teams are doing, then you’re probably not doing your job,” he added.
With the questions continuing, Ciraldo made it clear he would rather focus on the Storm assignment.
“I should have got Gus to do this press conference, because it’s all about what he said,” Ciraldo said.
Galvin Backed as No.7
Ciraldo said he was unsure what Gould meant by “internal reasons” behind the Bulldogs’ current struggles.
“I don’t know what he is specifically talking about there,” Ciraldo said.
The Bulldogs coach was firmer when asked about Galvin, who arrived as a key 2025 signing and is currently wearing the No.7 jersey.
“He’s the best half we’ve got right now and he has an opportunity to be a halfback as long as he wants to be,” Ciraldo said.
“The way he’s tracking right now is pretty good.”
Storm Test Carries Extra Weight
The Bulldogs now face one of the National Rugby League’s toughest tests against Melbourne Storm.
For Ciraldo, the immediate task is to turn public pressure into a more composed performance on Friday night.
A win would ease the noise around Belmore.
Another defeat would keep the focus firmly on the Bulldogs’ direction, Galvin’s role and the club’s response to Gould’s latest comments.