A photo has been sent to the 9News desk of Cameron Ciraldo and his manager meeting with a key Bulldogs stakeholder, in the strongest sign yet that Canterbury is closing in on the signature of the highly rated Penrith assistant.
In a 9News report on Wednesday night, Danny Weidler explained that Ciraldo and manager George Mimis had met with Craig Laundy, the son of Arthur Laundy. Laundy Hotels is the Bulldogs’ major sponsor.
The photo shows them meeting for lunch at The Locker Room establishment at Homebush on Wednesday.
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Weidler described the potential signing of Ciraldo as “a massive coup for Phil Gould”, Canterbury’s general manager of football, and “a huge step forward for the club”.
But Weidler added that no one from the club was willing to spill on the details of the conversation.
After the Warriors appointed Andrew Webster and Wests Tigers revealed a succession plan involving Tim Sheens and Benji Marshall, the Bulldogs are the only club still in the hunt for a head coach.
Gould is searching for a head coach after Trent Barrett exited in May.
Canterbury hasn’t played finals football since 2016, hasn’t reached a grand final since 2014 and last won a premiership in 2004.
The Bulldogs are fighting to avoid back-to-back wooden-spoon finishes.
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