Cameron Ciraldo has launched a passionate defense of Canterbury’s culture and the character of coach Travis Touma, amid Jackson Topine’s civil lawsuit against the club.
Topine launched legal action against the Bulldogs in the New South Wales Supreme Court last week, citing a psychiatric injury after a wrestling session last year.
In the statement of claim, Topine says Touma ordered him to fight with up to 35 teammates in quick succession last July, as punishment for arriving late to a session.
Charging…
Canterbury will deny at least some aspects of Topine’s claims, with the defender believed to be seeking around $4 million in damages.
Ciraldo did not speak specifically about the case Tuesday for legal reasons, but insisted the Bulldogs were a club that took care of its players.
“We do as much, if not more, than any other club,” Ciraldo said.
“The number of people who care about the well-being of our players. We do a lot of things around cultural activities and we understand each person’s culture.
“I’m very happy with where we’re headed.”
Ciraldo has spoken at length about changing standards at Canterbury, which has not played in a finals since 2016.
The coach has made no secret of the fact he demanded pressure be put on players and believed NRL clubs should be viewed differently to other workplaces.
“It’s not for everyone, it’s a difficult environment,” Ciraldo said.
“It’s a difficult game and it’s just different. It’s difficult to do and if it weren’t difficult, everyone would be doing it.”
“I feel very comfortable with what we’ve been able to do over 18 months and with the people we’ve been able to bring in.”
Ciraldo also said that he supported Touma, who had landed at the center of the matter.
“What we can’t control are reputations, but we can control character. And Trav has the highest character,” Ciraldo said.
“He cares about the people he works with. He is a family man, he lives a very clean life.
“He’s helped develop better players and better people, and that’s why we wanted to bring him to the Bulldogs.
“He fits what we’re trying to do here. It’s not an easy job to bring change to a club and Trav has been a person who has really helped me in that regard.”
Touma arrived at Canterbury last year from South Sydney after helping the Sydney Roosters to three premierships last decade.
“He doesn’t hide, he demands absolute excellence from all his players,” Bulldogs halfback and former Rooster Drew Hutchison said Tuesday.
“That’s the environment they want to be in. That’s the environment that creates success.
“Knowing Travis personally, he has nothing but care and respect for everyone in the organization.”
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AAP
