Cameron Ciraldo lands first NRL head coaching gig

Former Italy boss Cameron Ciraldo has landed his first NRL head coaching role after signing a five-year deal with Canterbury Bulldogs from 2023.

The 37-year-old has spent several years as Ivan Cleary’s assistant at Penrith Panthers.

A club statement read: “The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are pleased to announce that Cameron Ciraldo has been appointed as NRL head coach for five (5) seasons, commencing in 2023.

“As the club continues to build for long-term sustained success, we are pleased Cameron shares the vision of ensuring our football programs are best-in-class.

“With respect to Cameron and the Penrith Panthers, we will not be making any further comment until the end of the season.”

Ciraldo had reportedly knocked back a number of approaches from other teams, including one from Wests Tigers in June. He will become the youngest head coach in the NRL next season.

The Panthers are now on the lookout for two new assistants for 2023. They have lost Ciraldo and Andrew Webster (New Zealand Warriors) to NRL head coaching roles.

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Cameron Ciraldo background

Ciraldo was born in Sydney and is of Italian heritage through his grandmother, who migrated from Italy as a child.

The former back-rower made 94 appearances in the NRL for Cronulla Sharks, Newcastle Knights and Penrith Panthers between 2005-13.

Ciraldo won seven caps for Italy on the international stage. He played in the 2013 World Cup and then coached the Azzurri in the 2017 World Cup.

Ciraldo will finish his duties with the Panthers for the rest of this season. He will then take the reins at the Bulldogs ahead of the 2023 campaign.

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