The Bulldogs have added another coach to their roster.
The Canterbury Bulldogs have confirmed that Luke Vella will join Cameron Ciraldo’s new coaching team in 2024.
Ciraldo joined the Bulldogs in 2023, with big things predicted as the team looked to finally start rebuilding.
However, 2023 fell flat on its face, with the Bulldogs finishing in the bottom four once more. Ciraldo’s long-term contract at Belmore is not under threat, but another season of bad performance might turn up the fire from director of football Phil Gould, who has stated publicly that he has always expected 2023 to be a difficult season.
Canterbury, on the other side, has made a slew of recruits for 2024, headlined by Stephen Crichton and a slew of other backs. Josh Curran will be a solid addition to the forward pack, and former Roosters’ prop Siosiua Taukeiaho, who is returning from the English Super League, is also anticipated to play for the side.
Off the field, the Bulldogs have made a splash by bringing in Jason Taylor from the North Sydney Bears to join Ciraldo’s coaching staff, with Vella being confirmed today as the last addition.
Vella is a local junior who, at 29 years old, has already made an impression as a coach after leading Canterbury’s jersey flegg team to a premiership this year.
“There is none more familiar with Bulldogs’ values in hard work and resilience as Luke,” Bulldogs director of football Phil Gould said in a club statement confirming the news.
“He is an exceptional young coach who has made a significant impact since transitioning from a player in our development pathways to a coaching and development role.” The Jersey Flegg squad’s performance and the caliber of talent emerging is a credit to his coaching ability, and he has worked hard to deserve this opportunity. He has a promising future in the game.”
Chad Randall joins Vella and Taylor on Ciraldo’s assistant coaching staff.
While Vella’s NRL career was cut short due to injury, he did play at the under-20s level for the Bulldogs and stated that he was eager to help others reach the top.
“I never got the chance to play for the Club at the top level so if I can help current players do it, I’m more than excited to do that,” Vella told the club’s website.
“It’s very special to me, and it’s a huge accomplishment for me and my coaching career.” If I’m being honest, it arrived a little sooner than I expected. But that doesn’t mean I’m not prepared. I’m excited to get started.”
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