‘We’re always in the market for quality players’: Cameron Ciraldo responds to report Bulldogs will sign Sitili Tupouniua

Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo hasn’t entertained the possibility of signing Roosters forward Sitili Tupouniua given he’s still under contract until 2027 and “hasn’t got permission” to leave the Tricolours.

A report on Monday suggested Tupouniua met with Ciraldo that morning, but that was shot down by Bulldogs supremo Phil Gould on 100% Footy later that night.

“We spoke to him tentatively probably six weeks ago,” he said.

“At the time the Roosters were wanting to sign David Fifita, that fell through and at that time they’d given him permission to have a look around thinking they’d need to free up some space.

“They’re now trying to sign Angus Crichton. I think any terms of Tupouniua looking around is conditional on re-signing Angus Crichton, so there’s no official release there for Sitili Tupouniua.

“If he was to get the opportunity to be released and look elsewhere, I’m sure there’d be plenty of clubs looking for him.”

The Bulldogs have room in the salary cap to go after some big names, with Tupouniua extending his stay with the Roosters last November on a new three-year deal.

“As Gus said, we met him a while back, but as far as I know, he hasn’t got permission to leave the Roosters,” Ciraldo said.

“We’ve got a bit of space there (in the cap) and we’re always in the market for quality players and good people.

“At the moment we’re really concentrating on who we’ve got here and that they’re developing as players and we’re getting them right.

“That’s what’s happening at the moment. Our guys are coming in every day to get better and they’re doing a great job of it. We’re really enjoying that journey at the moment.”

Canterbury’s recruitment drive last season was questioned at the time but has worked out well, with the club sitting in sixth spot ahead of Friday’s showdown with the Sharks.

One of those signings was former Shark Connor Tracey, who will miss the match under the NRL’s concussion protocols after he was smashed high in a tackle that led to Roosters centre Junior Pauga being sent off last week.

“He’s all right, he’s bounced back. He’s been really good this week,” Ciraldo said.

“He’s obviously got a lot of knowledge about the Sharks and the way that they play, and as much as he can’t be out there with the boys, he’s helping with our preparation, so he’s been really good.”

Jacob Preston is rated a “50-50” chance of returning from a foot injury, while the Bulldogs will make a call on Stephen Crichton based on how he pulls up from Wednesday night’s big Origin win.

Tracey’s injury opens the door for Blake Taaffe to return at fullback, with the former South Sydney utility losing the No.1 jersey after he too was concussed as a result of a high shot by Roosters winger Dom Young in April.

“Blake’s had a bit of a run (in the team). He got concussed a bit earlier in the year and had to come back through reserve grade because of Connor’s form,” his coach said.

“He’s just been waiting for a bit of an opportunity. We just want to see Blake go out and play his natural game, get his hands on the ball and do what he’s really good at.”