Following the Bulldogs’ 32-12 defeat to the Roosters, coach Cameron Ciraldo expressed his frustration, taking responsibility but also delivering a stern message to his players about their lack of commitment. Speaking to the media after the match, Ciraldo noted that several players weren’t fully engaged, which was evident in their performance. He indicated that some might face tough decisions regarding their selection for upcoming games.
Ciraldo acknowledged his contribution to the team’s underperformance, admitting that players had been nursing injuries and merely going through the motions at training rather than fully participating. “If you can’t train, it results in a performance like that,” he remarked, stressing the importance of a strong training ethic. He pointed out that the Bulldogs have a talented roster, implying that those unwilling to prepare adequately might be replaced by those eager to compete.
His frustration deepened when questioned about the impact of the team’s revamped lineup on their recent performance. Despite previous praise for their combination, Ciraldo stated he was unconcerned about opinions from last week, referencing the recent back-to-back losses and acknowledging the team’s dismal showing against the Roosters after a commendable victory against the Warriors.
The Bulldogs, once regarded as a genuine title contender, entered the match against a supposed rebuilding Roosters side as favourites. However, they were comprehensively outperformed, with the Roosters gaining significantly more metres—both overall and post-contact. Standout players for the Roosters included Naufahu Whyte, who was particularly impressive with his performance.
Ciraldo reflected on the team’s inconsistency, observing that they had both their best and worst games in the space of a month. When probing into why his players did not bring the right intensity to the game, he struggled to provide an explanation, noting that some players hesitated when the intensity peaked.
Captain Stephen Crichton shared his disappointment during the press conference, emphasising the necessity of a strong mindset during critical matches as the season progressed. He asserted that getting mentally prepared was vital to avoid falling behind during the run to finals.
Jaeman Salmon also expressed frustration, recognising Ciraldo’s justified anger and disappointment. He noted that, despite a strong start to the match, the team’s errors and penalties allowed the Roosters to regain control.
With the Bulldogs facing a tough schedule ahead—featuring clashes against the Storm, Panthers, and Sharks—the pressure is on for them to regroup and find the right mindset to finish the regular season effectively.