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When Penrith lost just eight games across the 2020, 2021 and 2022 seasons (they were that good) with Ciraldo commanding their defence, Parramatta pinched three of those wins.
Two more games they lost by the barest of margins – one and two-point defeats.
The Eels “offload to change of angle” game plan and Mitchell Moses’ booming boot unsettled Ciraldo’s defence more than any other tactic, even if Parramatta were duly poleaxed in the 2022 grand final.
A glutton’s 56 per cent share of possession against Manly saw the Bulldogs throw 21 offloads and 320 passes on Sunday afternoon, skewing their recent numbers along with the involvement of Burton and Galvin.
Between them, Canterbury’s halves handled the ball 139 times – most top halves touch the ball 50–60 times a game – and skinned the Sea Eagles as they did so.
The Bulldogs’ short passing, fast-moving attack went into overdrive when running downhill against Manly. Just as it did a month earlier when pushing uphill against Ciraldo’s old side, in an 8-6 loss to Penrith that was the best game of 2025, State of Origins included.
Lachlan Galvin is showing promise at the Bulldogs scrumbase.Credit: Getty Images
Against the Panthers and the defensive system that Ciraldo piloted, Canterbury threw 297 passes and 17 offloads. Game management in the final few clutch moments, as much as anything, proved the difference.
“Offload to change of angle” is as good a way as any to stretch an elite defence, and Ciraldo has regularly pointed to honing Canterbury’s attack with the finals in mind – where elite defence reigns.
To put the Bulldogs’ ball movement in context, the NRL average is 247 passes and 9.4 offloads per game.
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As the Bulldogs’ offloads went to hand and Manly’s defence was dragged this way and that, Canterbury unfurled an attack that could beat any NRL opposition.
For the past 18 months, you could say that about their defence. This was the first time you’d dream that way with the ball in blue and white hands, though the true test will come with time. Manly’s unreliable form makes them an unreliable barometer.
After Galvin’s own personal grudge match against the Tigers, sterner defences await in the Warriors, Roosters (though they too possess Manly’s inconsistency) and the Storm.
Then comes Penrith in round 26, finishing fast with a last-to-fifth-straight title fairytale just waiting to be told, with the defensive system Ciraldo holds so dear.
By that point, we might see how close he has come to cracking it.
NRL is Live and Free on Channel 9 & 9Now
Michael Chammas and Andrew “Joey” Johns dissect the upcoming NRL round, plus the latest footy news, results and analysis. Sign up for the Sin Bin newsletter
When Penrith lost just eight games across the 2020, 2021 and 2022 seasons (they were that good) with Ciraldo commanding their defence, Parramatta pinched three of those wins.
Two more games they lost by the barest of margins – one and two-point defeats.
The Eels “offload to change of angle” game plan and Mitchell Moses’ booming boot unsettled Ciraldo’s defence more than any other tactic, even if Parramatta were duly poleaxed in the 2022 grand final.
A glutton’s 56 per cent share of possession against Manly saw the Bulldogs throw 21 offloads and 320 passes on Sunday afternoon, skewing their recent numbers along with the involvement of Burton and Galvin.
Between them, Canterbury’s halves handled the ball 139 times – most top halves touch the ball 50–60 times a game – and skinned the Sea Eagles as they did so.
The Bulldogs’ short passing, fast-moving attack went into overdrive when running downhill against Manly. Just as it did a month earlier when pushing uphill against Ciraldo’s old side, in an 8-6 loss to Penrith that was the best game of 2025, State of Origins included.
Lachlan Galvin is showing promise at the Bulldogs scrumbase.Credit: Getty Images
Against the Panthers and the defensive system that Ciraldo piloted, Canterbury threw 297 passes and 17 offloads. Game management in the final few clutch moments, as much as anything, proved the difference.
“Offload to change of angle” is as good a way as any to stretch an elite defence, and Ciraldo has regularly pointed to honing Canterbury’s attack with the finals in mind – where elite defence reigns.
To put the Bulldogs’ ball movement in context, the NRL average is 247 passes and 9.4 offloads per game.
Loading
As the Bulldogs’ offloads went to hand and Manly’s defence was dragged this way and that, Canterbury unfurled an attack that could beat any NRL opposition.
For the past 18 months, you could say that about their defence. This was the first time you’d dream that way with the ball in blue and white hands, though the true test will come with time. Manly’s unreliable form makes them an unreliable barometer.
After Galvin’s own personal grudge match against the Tigers, sterner defences await in the Warriors, Roosters (though they too possess Manly’s inconsistency) and the Storm.
Then comes Penrith in round 26, finishing fast with a last-to-fifth-straight title fairytale just waiting to be told, with the defensive system Ciraldo holds so dear.
By that point, we might see how close he has come to cracking it.
NRL is Live and Free on Channel 9 & 9Now
Michael Chammas and Andrew “Joey” Johns dissect the upcoming NRL round, plus the latest footy news, results and analysis. Sign up for the Sin Bin newsletter
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