Veteran journalist Phil Rothfield has delivered a blistering critique of Canterbury Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo, accusing him of showing “no self-reflection” and “no respect” for those who questioned his controversial selection choices during the 2025 NRL season.
The Bulldogs looked unstoppable early in the year, emerging as genuine premiership contenders and holding the top spot on the ladder from Round 4 to Round 16.
But their promising campaign spectacularly unravelled, losing five of their final six games, crashing out of the finals in straight sets, and recording their only late-season win in Round 26 against a Panthers side that rested 16 key players.
Canterbury’s collapse reached its climax in a shocking semi-final loss to Cronulla at Accor Stadium, trailing 36-8 at halftime before falling 46-26, effectively ending their premiership hopes.
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Despite largely sticking with a stable roster during their time atop the ladder, two controversial selection decisions have been pinpointed as catalysts for the Bulldogs’ downward spiral.
In Round 20, Ciraldo replaced Toby Sexton with Lachlan Galvin at halfback, and in Round 23, he swapped Reed Mahoney for Bailey Hayward at hooker—moves that raised eyebrows and forced both players to be recalled for the finals clash against the Panthers.
Speaking on NRL 360 on Monday night, Rotherfield argued that the Bulldogs head coach should not be frustrated by media scrutiny over his selection decisions, describing the changes as excessive and confusing.
“I was a bit disappointed in Cameron’s press conference yesterday when he spoke about the crap that’s been in the media, the commentary around all the changes he’s made and the unsettling effect it’s had on his football side,” Rothfield stated.
“Absolutely no self-reflection, absolutely no respect for anyone who has even challenged him.”
“He made too many changes. The players were confused. They lacked cohesion. Their defence even fell apart yesterday.”