djdeep4172
Kennel Enthusiast
- Joined
- Sep 29, 2014
- Messages
- 3,705
- Reaction score
- 6,984
Stephen Crichton was a surprising choice to lead the Bulldogs this year, but the move has been a masterstroke from Cameron Ciraldo.
After leaving the Panthers following three straight NRL titles, the 23-year-old was thrust into the role at Canterbury in his first season at the struggling club.
Crichton jumped at the opportunity and has taken it with both hands, producing quality performances and instilling a positive culture on the group at Belmore.
With three wins from seven games - including a dominant display against the Knights on Sunday afternoon - the side is continuing its upwards trajectory, with both Crichton and Ciraldo leading the charge.
Speaking to Wide World Of Sports Radio, the coach was full of praise for the NSW and Samoan representative and believes his leadership has been a major reason for Canterbury's recent improvement on the field.
"I think he has done an outstanding job - I couldn't have asked for more at this point of his career and where he's at," Ciraldo said.
"I think out there [at Penrith], he sort of sat back a little bit and allowed guys in front of him to lead, but he would have learned a lot.
"He's come here and he is a different person to the guy I left at Penrith. He's even more mature and he just led from the moment he walked into our building.
"He is still only 23, we've got to remember that - but the way he sets the standard in his own behaviours every day ... it's just at an elite level. He has done a great job of leading our guys during games as well when things do go wrong or that adversity hits.
"I just feel so aligned with him."
Crichton crossed for a try during the 36-12 victory over Newcastle, but he wasn't the only new recruit to star for the Dogs.
Bronson Xerri has also returned to rugby league in style and has formed a lethal left-wing combination with Josh Addo-Carr, while the likes of Connor Tracey and Josh Curran have also added plenty to the side.
"The plan was to recruit good people who want to work hard and we certainly did that," Ciraldo said.
"Stephen is obviously a star of the game and we were lucky enough to get him, but the other guys were mainly just looking for an opportunity. We really just wanted to add good people who want to work hard and help change the culture of the club.
"Every single person we have brought in has helped do that, along with the guys that have been here. I think they've done a great job even when we haven't got a result, to come in and understand what we're doing well and what we need to improve."
Canterbury has a bye in round eight, before the Bulldogs look to continue their winning ways against the Wests Tigers on May 4.
After leaving the Panthers following three straight NRL titles, the 23-year-old was thrust into the role at Canterbury in his first season at the struggling club.
Crichton jumped at the opportunity and has taken it with both hands, producing quality performances and instilling a positive culture on the group at Belmore.
With three wins from seven games - including a dominant display against the Knights on Sunday afternoon - the side is continuing its upwards trajectory, with both Crichton and Ciraldo leading the charge.
Speaking to Wide World Of Sports Radio, the coach was full of praise for the NSW and Samoan representative and believes his leadership has been a major reason for Canterbury's recent improvement on the field.
"I think he has done an outstanding job - I couldn't have asked for more at this point of his career and where he's at," Ciraldo said.
"I think out there [at Penrith], he sort of sat back a little bit and allowed guys in front of him to lead, but he would have learned a lot.
"He's come here and he is a different person to the guy I left at Penrith. He's even more mature and he just led from the moment he walked into our building.
"He is still only 23, we've got to remember that - but the way he sets the standard in his own behaviours every day ... it's just at an elite level. He has done a great job of leading our guys during games as well when things do go wrong or that adversity hits.
"I just feel so aligned with him."
Crichton crossed for a try during the 36-12 victory over Newcastle, but he wasn't the only new recruit to star for the Dogs.
Bronson Xerri has also returned to rugby league in style and has formed a lethal left-wing combination with Josh Addo-Carr, while the likes of Connor Tracey and Josh Curran have also added plenty to the side.
"The plan was to recruit good people who want to work hard and we certainly did that," Ciraldo said.
"Stephen is obviously a star of the game and we were lucky enough to get him, but the other guys were mainly just looking for an opportunity. We really just wanted to add good people who want to work hard and help change the culture of the club.
"Every single person we have brought in has helped do that, along with the guys that have been here. I think they've done a great job even when we haven't got a result, to come in and understand what we're doing well and what we need to improve."
Canterbury has a bye in round eight, before the Bulldogs look to continue their winning ways against the Wests Tigers on May 4.
