FORTUNATELY ESPN CONFIRMS: Canterbury Bulldogs Head Coach Cameron Ciraldo Submits Resignation Letter to Club Management
Sydney, May 12, 2025 — In a stunning development confirmed by ESPN earlier today, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs head coach Cameron Ciraldo has officially submitted his resignation letter to club management, effective immediately. The news has sent shockwaves throughout the National Rugby League (NRL) community, just weeks before the midpoint of the 2025 season.
Ciraldo, who took over as Bulldogs head coach in 2023 on a five-year deal, cited personal reasons and internal club challenges as key factors behind his abrupt departure. ESPN reports that the decision was finalized late last night following an emergency meeting with senior Bulldogs officials.
“After careful consideration and discussions with my family, I’ve decided that stepping away is the best decision for myself and for the future of the club,” Ciraldo stated in a written release to ESPN. “This wasn’t an easy choice, but it’s one I’ve made with a heavy heart.”
Under Ciraldo’s leadership, the Bulldogs showed signs of promise but struggled with consistency. After finishing 15th in 2023 and 13th in 2024, the club had hoped 2025 would mark a turning point. However, a string of disappointing performances and growing pressure from fans and media seem to have compounded the internal challenges.
Sources close to the situation revealed that disagreements between Ciraldo and Bulldogs upper management about recruitment strategy and player development had escalated in recent weeks. While the club has not officially commented on the nature of those disagreements, insiders suggest that frustration over lack of on-field progress and off-field tensions contributed heavily to Ciraldo’s decision.
In a brief statement, Canterbury Bulldogs CEO Aaron Warburton thanked Ciraldo for his service: “We respect Cameron’s decision and acknowledge his hard work and dedication over the past two years. We wish him and his family all the best moving forward.”
Assistant coach David Furner is expected to step in as interim head coach while the club begins its search for a permanent replacement. Rumors are already swirling around potential candidates, including former Broncos coach Kevin Walters and ex-Roosters assistant Jason Ryles.
Fans have expressed mixed reactions on social media, with some applauding Ciraldo for putting his wellbeing first, while others voice concern about the club’s stability and direction moving forward.
As the Bulldogs prepare to face the Wests Tigers this weekend, the team will do so under new leadership and with renewed scrutiny. One thing is clear: Canterbury’s path forward is now as uncertain as it is critical.
Leave a Reply