Ciraldo won’t fixate on Bulldogs’ top-four hopes

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Ciraldo won’t fixate on Bulldogs’ top-four hopes

Cameron Ciraldo is resisting the urge to fixate on Canterbury’s top-four chances despite the Bulldogs sitting within striking distance of the NRL’s elite after their win over St George Illawarra.

The Bulldogs have been the big improvers of 2024, transforming from the worst defensive team in the league last season to the second-best behind only triple reigning premiers Penrith.

With the ball, the Bulldogs have shrugged off concerns of their forward pack’s size and found attacking success with new-look edges featuring Stephen Crichton and Bronson Xerri.

Saturday night’s 28-10 defeat of fellow finals hopefuls St George Illawarra keeps Canterbury only two competition points behind fourth-placed Cronulla with a month remaining in the regular season.

The Bulldogs have not sat in the NRL’s top four since August 2016 and have not finished a season there since claiming the 2012 minor premiership.

But Canterbury could climb into the top four as soon as next week, when they travel to Bundaberg to host the Dolphins.

After the win over the Dragons, second-rower Viliame Kikau’s 150th NRL appearance, Ciraldo urged his side to enjoy each game as it came.

“You’d love to be in the top four but honestly we’re just going to enjoy this one,” he said at Jubilee Oval.

“We’re just enjoying this moment right now. This is a really special day for us, his (Kikau’s) 150th, to come to Kogarah and enjoy a day like that and a really good performance.

“We’ve got a trip up to Bundaberg next week and that’s an important game for us. We’ve got a couple of trips coming up so we’re not thinking too far ahead, just staying present on this moment and then getting ready for Bundaberg.”

Ciraldo was pleased the Bulldogs had not become bogged down in emotions from last week’s defeat of Canberra at spiritual home Belmore Sportsground.

“Monday we were in there preparing for this game,” he said.

“They’re a really mentally strong group where they can have a performance or enjoy a moment and then move on and try and get better the next day. They’re mature beyond their years.”

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