Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo finds relief as his team convincingly defeats a struggling Gold Coast side 32-0 at Belmore, alleviating pressure after a rocky start to the NRL season.
Despite facing criticism following two initial losses and significant recruitment efforts, Ciraldo, a product of the esteemed Penrith system, maintained faith in his squad’s abilities, which bore fruit in their comprehensive victory on Saturday afternoon.
Expressing confidence in his team’s approach, Ciraldo emphasized the importance of staying committed to their game plan amidst adversity. The Bulldogs showcased dominance across the board, leaving Gold Coast coach Des Hasler visibly stunned in his return to his former club’s grounds.
Canterbury’s triumph was a collective effort, with six different players contributing tries, including Jacob Preston and Viliame Kikau, who demonstrated their prowess on the field. Meanwhile, Gold Coast struggled to make an impact offensively, with costly errors hindering their progress.
Despite a commendable defensive effort in the first half, Gold Coast couldn’t contain Canterbury’s relentless attack, leading to a decisive victory for the Bulldogs. However, the win was overshadowed by concerns over Titans captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, who left the field with a suspected knee injury, adding to Gold Coast’s woes.
Hasler acknowledged his team’s resilience in defense but lamented their lackluster performance in attack, highlighting missed opportunities that ultimately cost them the match. As uncertainty looms over Fa’asuamaleaui’s injury, Gold Coast faces challenges ahead as they seek to bounce back from this defeat.