NRL 2023: Why Canterbury Bulldogs must let players leave to fix toxic culture

A recent text message doing the rounds suggests up to eight - but closer to four - Bulldogs wanted out of the club. This is way coach Cameron Ciraldo won’t stand in their way, writes Brent Read.

Eight Bulldogs players reportedly want out of the club … and Canterbury should let them walk, writes Brent Read. Picture: NRL Photos.

The Bulldogs were on the receiving end of another belting at the weekend but it was nothing like the carnage that is on the way in the off-season.

The Bulldogs are ready to lay down a marker as they attempt to put the dark days behind them. The text message that did the rounds over the weekend – this journalist was among those that received it – suggested eight players wanted out.

Bulldogs insiders insist that isn’t right, although they acknowledge the figure might be closer to four. Regardless, don’t expect anyone to stand in their way if they don’t want to help bring about change under coach Cameron Ciraldo.

Ciraldo won’t be altering his path to accommodate a handful of players who are averse to hard work. If they don’t like it, they’ll be offered an exit.

If they stay, they will be expected to knuckle down and put in the hours. If that means being at the Bulldogs all day, that’s what they will be asked to do.

Eight Bulldogs players reportedly want out of the club … and Canterbury should let them walk, writes Brent Read. Picture: NRL Photos.

There is an acknowledgment at Belmore that the culture needs to change and with that in mind, the club has asked all their recruits a series of questions.

How much do you love footy? Do you want to train hard? Can you handle long days? They are the core qualities that are non-negotiable if you are to be a Bulldogs player from here on in.

Those who are coming to the club have responded in the right way. Those who will be offered the chance to leave have blinked when confronted by the hard questions.

If you aren’t willing to make sacrifices, you won’t be welcome at the Bulldogs any more. Too many players have taken liberties and it has been reflected in the way the side has played this season.

Have the Bulldogs standards dropped too far after this moment on the weekend?

📺Watch #OnTheCouch on Ch. 504 or stream via @kayosports: https://t.co/VdXk1BgAyVpic.twitter.com/z84hb4WzPr

— Fox League (@FOXNRL) August 28, 2023

The Bulldogs have been lambasted at times for the turnover of players but the truth is, change is desperately needed. Their defence has been an abomination at times this season, culminating in their embarrassing loss to Manly at the weekend.

It was like shelling peas for the Sea Eagles. They barely got out of second gear and still put 40 on the Bulldogs. The effort wasn’t up to first grade standard.

The culture at Canterbury has become toxic, and Cameron Ciraldo must stick to his guns and stick with the players willing to put in the work. Picture: NRL Photos.

The whinging and whining has become toxic. The standards have slipped. The results have shown that the Bulldogs aren’t a happy camp. They have some rotten apples and if they aren’t weeded out, things won’t change next season.

Ciraldo has his work cut out. When he got to Canterbury he knew he had a challenge to turn the club around. It is far greater than he or anyone else expected.

The culture is toxic and winning has become an afterthought. The Bulldogs finish their season against the Titans on Sunday on the Gold Coast.

A win would give them eight for the season, one more than they had last year. On paper, it’s an improvement. It’s only on paper though.

Originally published as NRL 2023: Why Canterbury Bulldogs must let players leave to fix toxic culture