NRL 2024: Cameron Ciraldo addresses Jackson Topine’s $4 million lawsuit towards Bulldogs

Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo has spoken out on the $4 million lawsuit launched by Jackson Topine towards the club, defending the training session in question.

NRL 2023 RD26 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles – Cameron Ciraldo NRL PHOTOS

Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo says the NRL “is not for everyone” after the club was accused of “unlawful corporal punishment” by Jackson Topine in a landmark $4 million lawsuit.

Last week, lawyers for Topine lodged a statement of claim in the NSW Supreme Court that alleges the former local junior was forced to wrestle up to 35 teammates as punishment for being late to training.

Lawyers for Topine will allege the wrestling session amounted to the forward being “detained” and that he endured “assault” and “battery” and “humiliation”.

Speaking for the first time since the lawsuit was lodged against the club, Ciraldo defended the training session in question saying an NRL training ground was a unique workplace, where there is an expectation of toughness.

“Well, it is a different workplace. It’s not for everyone, it’s a tough environment, it’s a tough game and it’s just different,” Ciraldo said on Tuesday.

“It’s hard to do, if it wasn’t everyone would be doing it. I’m very comfortable with what we have been able to do in 18 months and the people we have brought in.”

Cameron Ciraldo says the NRL environment isn’t for everyone. Picture: NRL Photos

The claim also alleges Topine suffered “psychiatric injury” as a result of the wrestling punishment ordered by trainer Travis Touma for mistakenly arriving late for a training session.

Following a board meeting last week, Bulldogs powerbrokers vigorously defend the club and Touma.

Ciraldo praised Touma as being a person of the highest character and credited the experienced trainer for helping to shift training standards and culture at Belmore.

“He’s helped our players be better people that’s why we wanted to bring him to the Bulldogs,” Ciraldo said.

“He fits what we are trying to do here. It’s not an easy job bringing change to a club and Trav has been really helping me in that regard.

Jackson Topine. Picture: NRL Photos

“I know every decision he has made has been in the best interest of the club. “That’s something we want to do here, put the club before ourselves. Trav has been a big driver of change and culture within our team, I am glad he is here with us.”

“Unfortunately his name has been brought into it through the media, but it is what it is. What we can’t control is reputations. But we can control character and Trav is of the highest character of possibly anyone I have ever met.”

The case is set for directions in the NSW Supreme Court on June 13, where dates for a hearing are expected to be confirmed.

Cameron Ciraldo insists the lawsuit won’t impact his side’s on-field performance. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

If the lawsuit is not settled before a hearing date, the entire playing group and the club’s highest-profile figures will likely be subpoenaed to take the witness stand.

But Ciraldo insisted the legal proceedings, which are likely to be protracted, would not impact on-field performances.

“(I’ll) read the room and see how the boys are but I’m confident it won’t be a distraction. Everyone is in a really good place and happy with how we have started the season,” Ciraldo said. “No one has asked me about it, they are all fine.”

The coach insisted that player welfare has always been a priority at the club.

“I think we do as much, if not more than any other club. Our people care about the welfare of our players, we do a lot of stuff around cultural activities and understanding each person’s culture,” Ciraldo said.

“We are happy with where we are heading and are looking to get better every day.”

Originally published as NRL 2024: Cameron Ciraldo addresses Jackson Topine’s $4 million lawsuit towards Bulldogs