Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
The bold Canterbury Bulldogs spine reshuffle has successfully unlocked the team's attacking flair following their latest 30 to 12 victory over the Gold Coast Titans on Friday night. Head coach Cameron Ciraldo made the tactical gamble to move star player Matt Burton from the halves to the centres to spark a much-needed late-season surge.
The tactical switch has paid immediate dividends on the field, with the team securing back-to-back victories over the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and the Gold Coast Titans. Matt Burton previously spent the season wearing the number six jersey alongside young playmaker Lachlan Galvin before this positional change.
The tactical shift comes at a fascinating time in the competition, especially as opponents modify their own long-term strategies, which you can read about in our Gold Coast Titans news coverage.
The squad looks re-energized as they climb up the ladder, with official updates and standings available on the official NRL website. Cameron Ciraldo noted a clear shift in his star player's mindset since the positional adjustment took place.
Coach and Player Reactions
"I’ve never seen him enjoy his footy as much as he has in the last two weeks," Cameron Ciraldo said. "He’s just out there having fun competing, and that’s why they play."
"He loves seeing them competing and the smile on their face and that’s what Burto’s doing right now and that’s when he plays his best footy."
State of Origin Implications
Meanwhile, Canterbury Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton confirmed his fitness for the upcoming State of Origin arena after a late withdrawal from the New South Wales Blues team for Game Two.
"I’m all good. Everything’s good. God willing, see what happens but just want to celebrate tonight," Stephen Crichton said.
New South Wales Blues coach Laurie Daley is considering several changes for the upcoming decider. Brisbane Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs may lose his spot, while Manly Warringah Sea Eagles star Tom Trbojevic remains a strong option to enter the centres.
