He hasnโt even started his tenure as Bulldogs head coach, but reports are already emerging that Cameron Ciraldo may try and bring some Panthers with him to Belmore next year.
Ciraldo signed a five-year deal to take the reins of the Canterbury club from Mick Potter starting in 2023, and there are reports he might be tempted by the Panthers roster he currently works with as he looks to add depth to the Bulldogsโ ranks in the next few years.
The Australianโs Brent Read believes Ciraldoโs first target could be Origin rep Stephen Crichton, saying the Panthers outside backโs long-standing desire to play in the No.1 could be a decisive factor in the matter. Crichton has played the role just six times in his 74 NRL games at Penrith.
Crichton is off-contract at the end of next year, meaning heโd be free to negotiate with the Bulldogs from November 1.
โCrichton would love to play fullback, and Canterbury need one,โ Read told Triple M Radio.
โHeโs the one guy who would not surprise me at all if we see him at Canterbury in 2024.
โIn 2024 the Bulldogs have so much salary cap room itโs not funny.โ
Read also revealed that Ciraldo will not be bound by any clauses in the deal that would stop him from poaching some of the current Panthers roster on his way out, unlike the conditions that were applied to Wayne Bennettโs exit from South Sydney to join the Dolphins.
โI rang the Panthers and spoke to Brian Fletcher,โ said Read.
โI asked if there were any rules around Cameron approaching (Panthers) players.
โThey said โno, we arenโt going to do that, we trust him, heโs a genuine guy and heโs been here a long time. We donโt think heโd do anything wrong by us.โโ
Read claims that Crichton exploring his contract options at the same time as the Ciraldo deal was being devised meant clubs believed that the two might come together.
โWhen Cameron was talking to other clubsโฆ Stephen was talking to other clubs,โ Read said.
โThere was talk, not that Crichton would come with him, but that heโd be one bloke who would be tempted to follow.โ
