Cameron Ciraldo has declared among the Bulldogs’ attacking choices “unacceptable” after a brutal baptism of fireside at 4 Pines Park for the rookie NRL coach.
He additionally shut down a suggestion that Viliame Kikau’s quiet recreation had something to do with the top knock he suffered within the Dogs’ second trial recreation.
There was numerous hype across the Bulldogs — and Ciraldo — heading into the season however they had been dealt a actuality test in a 31-6 loss to Manly.
Watch each recreation of each spherical of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
They’re assault got here below fireplace all through the sport with Matt Burton notably developing with some off moments.
Burton’s kicking recreation was nothing prefer it often is with the star five-eighth’s 40/20 try going out on the complete in addition to a kick-off too.
He additionally made the weird determination to move to Kikau as a substitute of kicking himself on the fifth sort out. It meant Kikau needed to put in a long-range kick, which ended up going out on the complete.
Controversial sin-bin expensive for Dogs | 01:06
Fox League professional Michael Ennis referred to as the second “ridiculous” and mentioned the Bulldogs halves “have to be better.”
Ciraldo was requested about among the fifth-tackle choices and conceded some performs had been “unacceptable” and the group learnt “a lot of lessons.”
“We lacked cohesion at times around that area and around a lot of other areas as well,” he mentioned.
“We’re a new team, we had three debutants today and five guys making their club debut.
“We’re going to get better every week but today there were some things that we didn’t do well and are unacceptable for us moving forward.
“But I still think we showed a hell of a lot of grit there at times to defend our tryline, stick together and stay in the contest physically. There were a lot of lessons learned.”
MORE NRL NEWS
‘MADNESS’: Mick Ennis slams ‘outrageous’ Flanagan name as sin bin furore erupts
‘MONUMENTAL UPSET’: Reynolds’ ‘ice-cold’ second as Broncos shock Panthers
‘I’M NOT GOING OFF’: Shock HIA name leaves Ponga and Knights coach in disbelief
‘KEVVIE’S BEEN RINGING’: Holbrook confirms Broncos’ Fifita play amid tug of battle
Bulldogs followers solely bought to see quarter-hour of Kikau within the second trial as a consequence of a failed a HIA and sadly they didn’t see a lot of him within the 73 minutes he did spend on the sector on Saturday.
It was anticipated that Kikau would kind a formidable mixture together with his former Panthers teammate Burton on the left edge, however as a substitute he had minimal affect on the sport.
Kikau completed with 62 metres from 9 runs, however did make 21 tackles with only one miss.
When requested if the rampaging second-rower was nonetheless coping with results from his concussion, Ciraldo mentioned “nah” earlier than explaining why Kikau may need had a quiet recreation.
“He’s had a short pre-season Kiks, he only played 15 minutes (in the trials).
“We made it hard for ourselves with how much ball they were getting so a big guy like that with the amount we had to defend, it wasn’t ideal. He’ll be right.”
Mahoney saves, scores & creates in debut | 01:00
Get all the newest NRL news, highlights and evaluation delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
Ciraldo was nonetheless capable of finding the positives within the loss although. He gave debutants Jacob Preston, Jayden Tanner and Paul Alamoti a rap, however he couldn’t go previous the “incredible” efforts of star recruit Reed Mahoney.
“He was incredible. He competed all day — he showed why he’s our captain. If we can all take a leaf out of his book we’re going to be very hard to beat,” Ciraldo mentioned.
“Max King was another guy, he played the first 40, he’s just tireless and came up with some big plays. For a front-rower to play the first and then be there to save a try after the bell — it was an incredible effort as well.
“We had some good performers there today but we to do better.”
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
