Bulldogs appoint seasoned physiotherapist Tony Ayoub as Head of Performance
Fatima Kdouh Exclusive, The Daily Telegraph
August 13, 2018 1:34pm
CANTERBURY will welcome back one of the NRL’s most seasoned trainers, Tony Ayoub, as their new high performance manager.
The Daily Telegraph can confirm the experienced physiotherapist will part ways with the Newcastle Knights to take up his new role at the Bulldogs.
Ayoub returns to Belmore on a two-year deal after he walked away when coach Des Hasler arrived back in 2011.
At the time, Hasler brought in a team of support staff which ultimately lead to Ayoub leaving the club.
Ayoub has built an impressive resume over his 30-year career in rugby league.
As well as having worked for the Bulldogs, he has spent time honing his skills at Melbourne, Cronulla, St George Illawarra and most recently Newcastle.
Bulldogs CEO Andrew Hill told The Daily Telegraph, Ayoub’s history at Belmore made him well suited to rejoin the club.
“Tony has a wealth of experience and has worked across a number of NRL clubs before. He’s currently fulfilling a role with another club [Knights],” he said.
“He has a very good understanding of our club so it seems like a perfect fit for him to return.”
Tony Ayoub during his first stint at the Bulldogs. Pic;Gregg Porteous
The appointment of the former NSW Blues and Kangaroos trainer comes on the back of a number of football department acquisitions this year.
Gareth Holmes was poached from the Manly Sea Eagles to take up a role as the General Manager of Football.
Former player Mark Hughes also recently returned to the club in a recruitment capacity to help rebuild it’s roster after it was torn apart due to mismanagement under the previous administration.
“In recent months we’ve looked at our football operations and have made some movements towards strengthening the resources. We appointed Gareth Holmes and Mark Hughes as our recruitment officer,” Hill said.
“Mark will focus primarily on ensuring our players coming though our pathways are well looked after”
The Daily Telegraph understands the Bulldogs will announce two more appointments to their football department before the end of the season as they continue to rebuild.
Timana Tahu discusses his injury with coach Craig Bellamy and team physiotherapist Tony Ayoub during a training session.
“We’re looking forward to an improved season next year and at this stage of the year it is about us getting everything ready for that, which means strengthening the resources of our football department,” Hill said.
Ayoub will be ready to hit the ground running in his new role on day one of preseason when the players return from their mandatory off-season break.
On Monday, the Bulldogs announced the signature of forward Sauaso Sue. He’ll join Canterbury from the Wests Tigers on a two-year deal.
“This is another piece of our new look squad for next season … he will add to the depth of our forward pack and be someone who can play a number of position,” Hill said.
In other team news, young five-eighth Lachlan Lewis was forced to withdraw from Saturday night’s game against the Manly Sea Eagles due to family issues. He’s expected to return for their clash against the New Zealand Warriors on Sunday afternoon.
