Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo refutes any claims of a disagreement with club boss Phil Gould.

Cameron Ciraldo has dismissed suggestions of any rift between himself and Phil Gould, likening their relationship at the Canterbury Bulldogs to that of a father and son.

The Bulldogs coach emphasized that while disagreements, particularly regarding team selection, were natural between them, they were part of a healthy and trusting dynamic.

Recent reports suggesting Gould’s influence on selection decisions echoed similar claims made during Trent Barrett’s tenure at Canterbury from 2021 to 2022.

Both Barrett and Ciraldo were recruited from Penrith’s coaching staff as young talents tasked with revitalizing the Bulldogs’ fortunes.

Ciraldo acknowledged Gould’s involvement in football matters and welcomed their regular discussions, even if they sometimes led to differences of opinion.

He emphasized the strength of their relationship, built over a decade, where disagreements were resolved constructively.

Regarding team selection for the upcoming clash against the Sydney Roosters, Ciraldo affirmed his ultimate authority in decision-making.

Despite Gould’s input, Ciraldo asserted that he had the final say, joking that Gould would need to handle the tough conversations with dropped players if he were indeed making selections.

Ciraldo compared conversing with Gould to talking with a father figure, noting that while Gould’s perspective often made sense, there were occasions where he respectfully disagreed, and Gould trusted his judgment.

In terms of player dynamics, Drew Hutchison, facing his former club for the first time since joining Canterbury, is viewed as the primary playmaker despite the team’s inconsistent offensive performance thus far.

While Toby Sexton remains an option, Ciraldo expressed confidence in Hutchison’s abilities as the team’s current top choice for the No. 7 position.