FUN & WINNING GAMES
✍ Danny Weidler
Canterbury general manager Phil Gould can look after himself when it comes to media attacks on him and his club. In the past week, he has been the subject of a whispering campaign with lies being distributed in viral text messages designed to undermine Gould and some of his key relationships at the club.
The Bulldogs are also aware of media interest in the departure of some people from the club. One element of the texts that is not true has been given air time by the media, so it is lucky coach Cameron Ciraldo has a steel about him not many are aware of.
Ciraldo has had to endure a campaign, fuelled by texts, that he does not pick his teams. Instead, it is claimed Gould chooses teams. But Ciraldo is choosing teams. Gould doesn’t even attend selection meetings.
When it came to announcing the team for Friday’s 30-26 upset win over the Roosters, Ciraldo said to the group with a smile as Gould watched on: “Gus, why don’t you announce the team since you picked it?”
It is interesting to read criticism levelled at Gould for recruitment and failing to land players in key positions. Gould knows better than anyone where the club is deficient and tried to sign Jarome Luai and Addin Fonua-Blake. I have been told by sources with knowledge of the situation that Luai indicated to some at the Bulldogs he was heading to Belmore. For whatever reason, he opted to go to the Tigers.
Gould has landed some big signings, such as Stephen Crichton, Viliame Kikau, Josh Curran and Reed Mahoney. Gould also signed Ciraldo. The club also has a strong line of players coming through the juniors. In time, things will change for the club and commitment to Ciraldo’s program is starting to bear fruit.