"We bought good people who want to work hard": Ciraldo reveals key to Dogs' resurrection

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo has told SEN that his side’s resurgence in 2024 has largely been led by the players.

After several seasons in the doldrums, the Bulldogs are all but certain to make their first finals appearance since 2016 after a complete dismantling of the Brisbane Broncos.

The Bulldogs were questioned at the beginning of the year around their recruitment of utility players but Ciraldo said those players have been a huge factor in the Dogs sitting one game outside the top four.

“Our players have started to take ownership and have a lot more to say,” Ciraldo told SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“It’s all about how they want to play and where all their strengths lie.

“At the end of the day, they have got to be brave enough to take it on.

“We didn’t buy utilities (during the off-season). We bought good people who want to work hard.

“That’s what you see in our football team and our forward pack.

They knew at the start of the year that we weren’t going to be big but they had to be the hardest working forward pack.

“They have done that and they do it every week. We don’t win every forward battle but they have to fight.

“What they all lack in size, they make up for in hustle.”

The Bulldogs’ 41-16 over the Broncos was also the first win at Suncorp Stadium in 12 attempts.

Despite the Bulldogs’ success in 2024, Ciraldo is remaining grounded and insists that the prospect of finals is not being discussed within the team.

“Obviously for every team, finals is the goal,” Ciraldo added.

“It’s our goal as well but we aren’t talking about finals. We still have six games to go.

“We have a huge clash at Belmore this weekend (and) we get a lot of energy from the crowd and our fans.

“It’s one of those special games and we are really looking forward to it this weekend.”

The Bulldogs could enter the top four with a win over the Canberra Raiders on Sunday.