EXCLUSIVE: Cameron Ciraldo’s deal to coach the Bulldogs ‘will see him take Panthers star Stephen Crichton to Canterbury’
Source with knowledge of negotiations revealed that the shock switch is on its way
Photo of Ciraldo meeting big sponsor of Dogs son sparked speculation
It is widely believed that defensive mastermind will soon be announced as coach
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Highly sought-after Penrith assistant Cameron Ciraldo is close to signing a deal with coach Canterbury that will see him bring Panthers superstar Stephen Crichton to the Bulldogs, a source with intimate knowledge of the negotiations, according to Daily Mail Australia.
Ciraldo’s name has been associated with the job since Trent Barrett stepped down in May, and he is also being hunted by the Wests Tigers.
A photo appeared on Wednesday showing him attending a secret lunch with his manager George Mimis and Craig Laundy, the son of Bulldogs main sponsor Arthur.
A source with deep knowledge of the negotiations between Ciraldo and Canterbury told Daily Mail Australia that part of the deal involves bringing Stephen Crichton to Belmore
Ciraldo (far right) was pictured at a secret luncheon meeting with Craig Laundy (left), son of Bulldogs main sponsor Arthur, in a photo that appeared Wednesday
Crichton is under contract with Penrith until the end of 2023 and would not be the first big name Panther to switch to the Bulldogs, with Viliame Kikau joining the club from next season.
The center would receive a huge salary after playing a big part in securing the 2021 premiership and making its State of Origin debut for NSW this year.
His signing would be a coup for the struggling Belmore outfit, where he would reunite with his longtime teammate and fellow blues star Matt Burton in the backline.
If Crichton – who expired his contract with Penrith at the end of next season – he would reunite with his former teammate Matt Burton in a suddenly deadly Bulldogs backline
Ciraldo developed a reputation as a head coach on hold shortly after taking over as head coach of Penrith’s National Youth Competition side in 2015, leading the team to a stellar year winning 18 of their 24 matches.
He was promoted to assistant coach to the NRL side of the club in 2017, and served as caretaker head coach after Anthony Griffin’s resignation in 2018 before the club recruited Ivan Cleary to fill the top position.
The 37-year-old is credited as being the mastermind that made the Panthers’ defense one of the best in the league as the team completed its meteoric rise from also-ranks to the NRL’s class.