The Bulldogs have continued their coaching restructure, with former skipper Josh Jackson set to lead the Jersey Flegg side in 2024, while Steve Turner will be in charge of the SG Ball team.
It’s all part of a policy to have “Bulldogs coaching young Bulldogs” as general manager of football, Phil Gould, posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Jackson, who played 241 games for the club, played a role in Canterbury’s Jersey Flegg premiership this year and will become the full-time coach next season.
It’s a similar story for Turner, who was forced into medical retirement in 2013 but has spent the past decade at Belmore in an administrative role and has also run the water as one of the club’s trainers.
“The professionalism and work ethic that both of these men bring to our Bulldogs pathways is outstanding and second to none,” Gould said.
“I love the fact that Bulldogs are coaching Bulldogs.”
The changes were to be expected after a disastrous 15th-placed finish in Cameron Ciraldo’s first year in charge, but there’s an expectation around the club that 2024 should be much better with a number of stars moving to Belmore.
There are other moves in the coaching ranks, with former Jersey Flegg coach Luke Vella promoted to the NRL squad as an assistant.
“I never got the chance to play for the club at the top level, so if I can help current players do it, I’m more than excited to do that,” said Vella, whose playing career was cut short by a devastating spinal injury.
“It’s really, really special for me and a really big accomplishment for me and my coaching career. It’s probably come a little sooner than I expected if I’m honest, but that doesn’t mean I’m not ready for it. I’m excited to get involved.”
Meanwhile, former interim coach Mick Potter will lead the club’s NSW Cup side next year in a bid to create a strong pathway for younger players to ready themselves for the NRL.
