Panther’s assistant coach Cameron Ciraldo has signed to coach the Bulldogs in 2023 for five years.
This is fantastic news for a Club that has been on Struggle St over the past six years.
Ciraldo was the most sort after signature in Rugby League. The Wests Tigers all but announced he had signed with them, before having to back track with their tails between their legs. It says a lot about Tiger Town.
Puppet master, Phil Gould has brought out his five year plan that helped transformed the Panthers into the powerhouse they are today. Doggies fans have every right to get excited.
A five year plan should be a standard for all struggling clubs.
But this means patience. It’s like going to the gym and expecting immediate results. Patience from fans and the Board.
Ask Wests Tigers fans if they would have liked a five year plan back in 2012?
If you look at the playing rosters of the bottom four teams, they are filled with stop gap or overpaid players. Coaches and board members know their time is limited and need immediate results to guarantee their positions.
As a Mighty Red V supporter, I have seen this occur at my club.
Coach Steve Price bringing in Benji Marshall as a last ditch play to save his career. Benji Marshall is a legend and I really liked what he brought to our team. It just was not enough.
Coach Paul McGregor was trying to entice Jarryd Hayne before the Hayne Plane was grounded in gaol. He then went for Corey Norman.
As a fan, I would have preferred a five year plan and guaranteeing your coach he has that time to build the right team and pathways to the future.
Coach Anthony Griffin now finds himself in similar circumstances.
Only two years into his role and he is under fire because the Dragons have again failed to make the finals. Hook inherited a team that needed an overhaul. A team that flaunted all COVID rules @BBQGate last season, and then, tried to cover it up.
21 weeks of suspensions and us fans were expected to show up and cheer that team on.
The Dragons have moved on players and now have a pathway for the junior players to make the NRL.
Although all fans want to be immediately competitive, without supporting a longer term plan, your team will always have a lopsided playing roster and salary cap issues.
