Ciraldo calls out NRL over delayed rule-change communication
Cameron Ciraldo says he only learned his team will act as guinea pigs this week for some new NRL rules via an email.
Canterbury Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo has criticized the NRL for failing to communicate rule changes for next season adequately. Ciraldo learned via email that his team would participate in trials of new kick-off rules during their 2026 season finale against the Broncos on Thursday. The Bulldogs and Brisbane are both out of finals contention, so the NRL chose to test the kick-off changes.
Players previously criticized the concept, and Ciraldo revealed he only found out about the Bulldogs' involvement through email. Ciraldo expressed frustration with the NRL's continuous rule modifications, as Canterbury had already improved its performance since the changes to the six-again threshold. He believes clearer communication would enable clubs to better plan conditioning and roster management.
Ciraldo acknowledged that his team's recent struggles can be attributed to various factors, but he believes the rule changes played a role. The Bulldogs' match against Brisbane will be their final game before several key players move on to new clubs in 2027. Ciraldo praised the departing players and confirmed that Sean O Sullivan has agreed to a contract extension with the team for the following season.
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