Cameron Ciraldo has issued a challenge to Blake Taaffe, urging him to become Canterbury’s game-changing substitute as the Bulldogs aim to reverse a pattern of late leads slipping into narrow defeats.
Despite earning praise for their determined performances, Canterbury’s 2-4 season record would look markedly different if not for a series of close losses. The Bulldogs held the lead against the Storm in Melbourne until the final six minutes before succumbing to a 16-14 defeat. This followed narrow losses to South Sydney and Cronulla, with both matches hanging in the balance until the final stages.
While Taaffe missed the previous week due to concussion, Ciraldo opted to retain Connor Tracey as the starting fullback for Sunday’s game against Newcastle. However, Ciraldo believes Taaffe can inject much-needed energy late in the game, especially off the interchange bench.
“I still believe he can make an impact in the closing stages,” Ciraldo remarked. “He has the potential to fulfill the role of a supersub and contribute wherever needed. If you’re facing a fatigued defensive line, Blake Taaffe’s entrance from the bench can be daunting.”
Although Canterbury’s lineup has seen constant changes this season, Ciraldo is optimistic about having dependable prop Max King available for the clash against the Knights after his absence due to a wrist injury. Despite previous heavy defeats against Newcastle, Ciraldo is confident that the team has made significant strides compared to last year.
“Our unity and belief in our approach are our greatest assets right now,” Ciraldo emphasized. “We’re committed to our strategies and have faith in our squad. It’s an exciting time for both the coaching staff and the players. We’ve forged a strong bond as a team, prioritizing teamwork and collective success. If we maintain this mindset, we’ll perform at our best as a cohesive unit.”