How rival's selfless act gave Bulldogs their NRLW coach
Brayden Wiliame wouldn't be on the cusp of making history as Canterbury's foundation NRLW coach if not for a selfless gesture from the league's other new franchise.
Wiliame has been on a "crash course" in head coaching since being parachuted into the Bulldogs' top job in April, just three months out from their first premiership game against Newcastle on July 5.
The Bulldogs were on the hunt for a new coach following the abrupt departure of Blake Cavallaro, whose resignation came amid reports of an undisclosed relationship with a club staffer.
There was a roster already being built, led by Cronulla stars Tayla Preston and Holli Wheeler, it just needed the right mentor.
It was then that the chief executive of the NRLW's other new franchise, the Warriors, put in a call to Bulldogs general manager of football Phil Gould.
Warriors boss Cameron George had been impressed by Wiliame since he transitioned from the club's playing roster to a joint role in wellbeing and as a NSW Cup assistant coach.
"He cares about the player, cares about the person and their family, and he knows his footy," George told AAP.
"For me, he's got it all."
George knew Wiliame had been hoping to return to Australia for family reasons, so suggested he meet with Gould.
Three days later, the trio were catching up for coffee in the Sydney beachside suburb of Brighton-Le-Sands.
When the Bulldogs were keen to sign Wiliame, who had a year to run on his Warriors contract, George never thought to stand in the 32-year-old's way.
"That didn't cross my mind one bit,'' George said.
"The thing that crosses my mind is trying to help him get into a good system because you want to see him succeed.''
Wiliame only began his coaching journey last year, so knows he has plenty to learn.
"It's one thing knowing how to do it, it's another being able to explain it so that everyone understands. That's probably been my biggest work-on," he told AAP.
"It is a bit of a crash course, but the thing I always fall back on is that people go to uni when they finish school for their degree, this is what I've been doing my whole life."
The playing group is picking up what Wiliame is putting down, finding particular value in his recent playing experience.
The outside back's injury-stricken NRL career only came to an end in 2023.
"He's brought a lot of fun, and brought his game knowledge too. He's only fresh out of the game, so for us we're able to pick his brain," co-captain Preston told AAP.
"He's been unreal. He's just such a genuine person."
There's just one condition for Wiliame when his Bulldogs face the Warriors, returning for their first season since leaving the competition amid COVID-19 restrictions in 2021.
"I told him he's got to stand down six players when he plays against us, give them a rest that week," George joked.
"I'm looking forward to that opportunity to play them."
Brayden Wiliame wouldn't be on the cusp of making history as Canterbury's foundation NRLW coach if not for a selfless gesture from the league's other new franchise.
Wiliame has been on a "crash course" in head coaching since being parachuted into the Bulldogs' top job in April, just three months out from their first premiership game against Newcastle on July 5.
The Bulldogs were on the hunt for a new coach following the abrupt departure of Blake Cavallaro, whose resignation came amid reports of an undisclosed relationship with a club staffer.
There was a roster already being built, led by Cronulla stars Tayla Preston and Holli Wheeler, it just needed the right mentor.
It was then that the chief executive of the NRLW's other new franchise, the Warriors, put in a call to Bulldogs general manager of football Phil Gould.
Warriors boss Cameron George had been impressed by Wiliame since he transitioned from the club's playing roster to a joint role in wellbeing and as a NSW Cup assistant coach.
"He cares about the player, cares about the person and their family, and he knows his footy," George told AAP.
"For me, he's got it all."
George knew Wiliame had been hoping to return to Australia for family reasons, so suggested he meet with Gould.
Three days later, the trio were catching up for coffee in the Sydney beachside suburb of Brighton-Le-Sands.
When the Bulldogs were keen to sign Wiliame, who had a year to run on his Warriors contract, George never thought to stand in the 32-year-old's way.
"That didn't cross my mind one bit,'' George said.
"The thing that crosses my mind is trying to help him get into a good system because you want to see him succeed.''
Wiliame only began his coaching journey last year, so knows he has plenty to learn.
"It's one thing knowing how to do it, it's another being able to explain it so that everyone understands. That's probably been my biggest work-on," he told AAP.
"It is a bit of a crash course, but the thing I always fall back on is that people go to uni when they finish school for their degree, this is what I've been doing my whole life."
The playing group is picking up what Wiliame is putting down, finding particular value in his recent playing experience.
The outside back's injury-stricken NRL career only came to an end in 2023.
"He's brought a lot of fun, and brought his game knowledge too. He's only fresh out of the game, so for us we're able to pick his brain," co-captain Preston told AAP.
"He's been unreal. He's just such a genuine person."
There's just one condition for Wiliame when his Bulldogs face the Warriors, returning for their first season since leaving the competition amid COVID-19 restrictions in 2021.
"I told him he's got to stand down six players when he plays against us, give them a rest that week," George joked.
"I'm looking forward to that opportunity to play them."
Brayden Wiliame wouldn't be on the cusp of making history as Canterbury's foundation NRLW coach if not for a selfless gesture from the league's other new franchise.
Wiliame has been on a "crash course" in head coaching since being parachuted into the Bulldogs' top job in April, just three months out from their first premiership game against Newcastle on July 5.
The Bulldogs were on the hunt for a new coach following the abrupt departure of Blake Cavallaro, whose resignation came amid reports of an undisclosed relationship with a club staffer.
There was a roster already being built, led by Cronulla stars Tayla Preston and Holli Wheeler, it just needed the right mentor.
It was then that the chief executive of the NRLW's other new franchise, the Warriors, put in a call to Bulldogs general manager of football Phil Gould.
Warriors boss Cameron George had been impressed by Wiliame since he transitioned from the club's playing roster to a joint role in wellbeing and as a NSW Cup assistant coach.
"He cares about the player, cares about the person and their family, and he knows his footy," George told AAP.
"For me, he's got it all."
George knew Wiliame had been hoping to return to Australia for family reasons, so suggested he meet with Gould.
Three days later, the trio were catching up for coffee in the Sydney beachside suburb of Brighton-Le-Sands.
When the Bulldogs were keen to sign Wiliame, who had a year to run on his Warriors contract, George never thought to stand in the 32-year-old's way.
"That didn't cross my mind one bit,'' George said.
"The thing that crosses my mind is trying to help him get into a good system because you want to see him succeed.''
Wiliame only began his coaching journey last year, so knows he has plenty to learn.
"It's one thing knowing how to do it, it's another being able to explain it so that everyone understands. That's probably been my biggest work-on," he told AAP.
"It is a bit of a crash course, but the thing I always fall back on is that people go to uni when they finish school for their degree, this is what I've been doing my whole life."
The playing group is picking up what Wiliame is putting down, finding particular value in his recent playing experience.
The outside back's injury-stricken NRL career only came to an end in 2023.
"He's brought a lot of fun, and brought his game knowledge too. He's only fresh out of the game, so for us we're able to pick his brain," co-captain Preston told AAP.
"He's been unreal. He's just such a genuine person."
There's just one condition for Wiliame when his Bulldogs face the Warriors, returning for their first season since leaving the competition amid COVID-19 restrictions in 2021.
"I told him he's got to stand down six players when he plays against us, give them a rest that week," George joked.
"I'm looking forward to that opportunity to play them."
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No white flag as wounded Warriors wait on scans
NRL Swiss army knife Te Maire Martin has helped to quell the despair after a pair of potentially serious injuries and some questionable calls in the New Zealand Warriors' Brisbane loss. The Warriors' (10-5) second-straight defeat, 26-12 on Saturday, came as Luke Metcalf and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad both limped off with knee injuries. They'll have scans on their return to Auckland and coach Andrew Webster conceded the star halfback and fullback could be out for the season. Nicoll-Klokstad's legs were pinned awkwardly as Gehamat Shibasaki scored the first of his two tries while Metcalf was hammered as he passed the ball by Brendan Piakura, who was later placed on report. "We're going to have to get back to New Zealand and find out," Webster said. "But certainly won't be playing in two weeks, I can tell you that much ... all possibilities on the table at the moment." Webster didn't bite when asked if he thought Metcalf was tackled illegally, but was more willing to comment on a pair of decisions that went against his men either side of halftime. Wayde Egan was called for off-side in the first half before Broncos star Reece Walsh earnt a penalty when he was obstructed while chasing a kick, despite being clearly offside. "I was right in front of that and he was miles offside, like miles offside," Webster said of Walsh. "Wayde Egan in the first half, I ask you to go and pause it when the play-the-ball is and you tell me how he's offside. "He's three metres onside. So it's like they just made that up. "They (the NRL) probably will give me crap that it's foul play or something. That's the first infringement. I don't know how they miss it. "I'm not a touch, I'm not a ref. I was down there and I could see it." The prospect of charging on without his influential pair hasn't dented Webster's hopes though, given the talent underneath them. "Going into Round 1, we've got four elite halfbacks," Webster said. "We have Tanah Boyd, Te Maire Martin, Chanel (Tavita-Harris), Luke Metcalf. So we've got a lot to choose from there. "But if Charnze is out, we've got Taine Tuaupiki, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck." Bench utility Martin impressed at hooker, fullback and halfback on Saturday night as the injuries mounted. "I don't think many clubs have a bloke who can do that," Webster said. "We've got lots of options. "That's why we've got heaps of faith." NRL Swiss army knife Te Maire Martin has helped to quell the despair after a pair of potentially serious injuries and some questionable calls in the New Zealand Warriors' Brisbane loss. The Warriors' (10-5) second-straight defeat, 26-12 on Saturday, came as Luke Metcalf and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad both limped off with knee injuries. They'll have scans on their return to Auckland and coach Andrew Webster conceded the star halfback and fullback could be out for the season. Nicoll-Klokstad's legs were pinned awkwardly as Gehamat Shibasaki scored the first of his two tries while Metcalf was hammered as he passed the ball by Brendan Piakura, who was later placed on report. "We're going to have to get back to New Zealand and find out," Webster said. "But certainly won't be playing in two weeks, I can tell you that much ... all possibilities on the table at the moment." Webster didn't bite when asked if he thought Metcalf was tackled illegally, but was more willing to comment on a pair of decisions that went against his men either side of halftime. Wayde Egan was called for off-side in the first half before Broncos star Reece Walsh earnt a penalty when he was obstructed while chasing a kick, despite being clearly offside. "I was right in front of that and he was miles offside, like miles offside," Webster said of Walsh. "Wayde Egan in the first half, I ask you to go and pause it when the play-the-ball is and you tell me how he's offside. "He's three metres onside. So it's like they just made that up. "They (the NRL) probably will give me crap that it's foul play or something. That's the first infringement. I don't know how they miss it. "I'm not a touch, I'm not a ref. I was down there and I could see it." The prospect of charging on without his influential pair hasn't dented Webster's hopes though, given the talent underneath them. "Going into Round 1, we've got four elite halfbacks," Webster said. "We have Tanah Boyd, Te Maire Martin, Chanel (Tavita-Harris), Luke Metcalf. So we've got a lot to choose from there. "But if Charnze is out, we've got Taine Tuaupiki, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck." Bench utility Martin impressed at hooker, fullback and halfback on Saturday night as the injuries mounted. "I don't think many clubs have a bloke who can do that," Webster said. "We've got lots of options. "That's why we've got heaps of faith." NRL Swiss army knife Te Maire Martin has helped to quell the despair after a pair of potentially serious injuries and some questionable calls in the New Zealand Warriors' Brisbane loss. The Warriors' (10-5) second-straight defeat, 26-12 on Saturday, came as Luke Metcalf and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad both limped off with knee injuries. They'll have scans on their return to Auckland and coach Andrew Webster conceded the star halfback and fullback could be out for the season. Nicoll-Klokstad's legs were pinned awkwardly as Gehamat Shibasaki scored the first of his two tries while Metcalf was hammered as he passed the ball by Brendan Piakura, who was later placed on report. "We're going to have to get back to New Zealand and find out," Webster said. "But certainly won't be playing in two weeks, I can tell you that much ... all possibilities on the table at the moment." Webster didn't bite when asked if he thought Metcalf was tackled illegally, but was more willing to comment on a pair of decisions that went against his men either side of halftime. Wayde Egan was called for off-side in the first half before Broncos star Reece Walsh earnt a penalty when he was obstructed while chasing a kick, despite being clearly offside. "I was right in front of that and he was miles offside, like miles offside," Webster said of Walsh. "Wayde Egan in the first half, I ask you to go and pause it when the play-the-ball is and you tell me how he's offside. "He's three metres onside. So it's like they just made that up. "They (the NRL) probably will give me crap that it's foul play or something. That's the first infringement. I don't know how they miss it. "I'm not a touch, I'm not a ref. I was down there and I could see it." The prospect of charging on without his influential pair hasn't dented Webster's hopes though, given the talent underneath them. "Going into Round 1, we've got four elite halfbacks," Webster said. "We have Tanah Boyd, Te Maire Martin, Chanel (Tavita-Harris), Luke Metcalf. So we've got a lot to choose from there. "But if Charnze is out, we've got Taine Tuaupiki, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck." Bench utility Martin impressed at hooker, fullback and halfback on Saturday night as the injuries mounted. "I don't think many clubs have a bloke who can do that," Webster said. "We've got lots of options. "That's why we've got heaps of faith."
The Advertiser
4 hours ago
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Walsh makes Origin case as Broncos pip wounded Warriors
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The performance came in a third-straight win for his side (8-7) and hours after incumbent Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga was ruled out of the Origin series decider with a foot injury. Walsh has battled knee soreness of his own in recent weeks but was unflinching in his final test before coach Billy Slater, who picked Walsh at fullback for all three games last season, names his Queensland side for the July 9 clash on Monday. "Reece is ready, it's whether or not they decide to go that way," Brisbane coach Michael Maguire, who led the Blues last year, said. "I actually think Reece's footy is getting better. "He was spoken about earlier in the season about where he was at when he first came into rounds one to five, but I think defensively Reece really grew through that period." A crowd of 43,434 piled in for the first of two games at the venue on Saturday, with the relocated Dolphins v South Sydney clash at night a separately-ticketed event. Seeking a record seventh-consecutive victory away from Mt Smart Stadium, Andrew Webster's Warriors (10-5) were off the pace but then rallied despite losing key troops in the second half. Fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (knee) didn't return after the break while halfback Luke Metcalf (knee) also hobbled off after Brendan Piakura, who was placed on report, folded him as he passed. Both will have scans on their return to Auckland and fears are the injuries could be long-term ones. "Spoke to the doctors, they said it could be a number of things," coach Andrew Webster said. "Two weeks in a row we haven't executed ... but so much spirit. "That crowd out there, playing in moments like that, we're only going to get better. "I said to the boys, 'A lot of other clubs would love what you guys have got'." Adam Reynolds' pinpoint grubber kick found a rampaging Kotoni Staggs for the first try before Ezra Mam's long cut-out pass put Josiah Karapani over. Walsh set up Gehamat Shibasaki on the bell for an 18-0 halftime lead, the centre's body landing awkwardly on Nicoll-Klokstad's legs as he attempted to save the try. Walsh then beat four men only to be held up over the line to begin the second half. The Broncos fullback had earlier denied Chanel Harris-Tavita a try when he somehow got his body under the ball. Harris-Tavita then missed another chance when he knocked on attempting to ground a loose ball. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck finally had the visitors' first try after 45 minutes as they attempted to drag themselves into the contest. Walsh got involved again, earning the ire of Warriors fans when he won a penalty for being taken out while chasing a Reynolds kick. Reynolds' two-pointer made it 20-6 and then Shibasaki fumbled what would have been the match-sealer with 15 minutes to play. Leka Halasima collected a bomb at the other end to give the Warriors life at 20-12. But wide-open Warriors winger Edward Kosi knocked on with the line in sight and the Broncos got out of jail, Shibasaki eventually scoring the match-sealer. An improved Reece Walsh has pushed his State of Origin case as Brisbane held on for a 26-12 win over an injury-hit New Zealand Warriors. The Broncos fullback laid on a try assist, his 11th of the season, on the cusp of halftime and also made a remarkable try-saving tackle against his former team at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday. The performance came in a third-straight win for his side (8-7) and hours after incumbent Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga was ruled out of the Origin series decider with a foot injury. Walsh has battled knee soreness of his own in recent weeks but was unflinching in his final test before coach Billy Slater, who picked Walsh at fullback for all three games last season, names his Queensland side for the July 9 clash on Monday. "Reece is ready, it's whether or not they decide to go that way," Brisbane coach Michael Maguire, who led the Blues last year, said. "I actually think Reece's footy is getting better. "He was spoken about earlier in the season about where he was at when he first came into rounds one to five, but I think defensively Reece really grew through that period." A crowd of 43,434 piled in for the first of two games at the venue on Saturday, with the relocated Dolphins v South Sydney clash at night a separately-ticketed event. Seeking a record seventh-consecutive victory away from Mt Smart Stadium, Andrew Webster's Warriors (10-5) were off the pace but then rallied despite losing key troops in the second half. Fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (knee) didn't return after the break while halfback Luke Metcalf (knee) also hobbled off after Brendan Piakura, who was placed on report, folded him as he passed. Both will have scans on their return to Auckland and fears are the injuries could be long-term ones. "Spoke to the doctors, they said it could be a number of things," coach Andrew Webster said. "Two weeks in a row we haven't executed ... but so much spirit. "That crowd out there, playing in moments like that, we're only going to get better. "I said to the boys, 'A lot of other clubs would love what you guys have got'." Adam Reynolds' pinpoint grubber kick found a rampaging Kotoni Staggs for the first try before Ezra Mam's long cut-out pass put Josiah Karapani over. Walsh set up Gehamat Shibasaki on the bell for an 18-0 halftime lead, the centre's body landing awkwardly on Nicoll-Klokstad's legs as he attempted to save the try. Walsh then beat four men only to be held up over the line to begin the second half. The Broncos fullback had earlier denied Chanel Harris-Tavita a try when he somehow got his body under the ball. Harris-Tavita then missed another chance when he knocked on attempting to ground a loose ball. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck finally had the visitors' first try after 45 minutes as they attempted to drag themselves into the contest. Walsh got involved again, earning the ire of Warriors fans when he won a penalty for being taken out while chasing a Reynolds kick. Reynolds' two-pointer made it 20-6 and then Shibasaki fumbled what would have been the match-sealer with 15 minutes to play. Leka Halasima collected a bomb at the other end to give the Warriors life at 20-12. But wide-open Warriors winger Edward Kosi knocked on with the line in sight and the Broncos got out of jail, Shibasaki eventually scoring the match-sealer.
7NEWS
5 hours ago
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Broncos coach issues bold Reece Walsh statement after superstar stars in win over Warriors
An improved Reece Walsh has pushed his State of Origin case as Brisbane held on for a 26-12 win over an injury-hit New Zealand Warriors. The Broncos fullback laid on a try assist, his 11th of the season, on the cusp of halftime and also made a remarkable try-saving tackle against his former team at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday. The performance came in a third-straight win for his side (8-7) and hours after incumbent Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga was ruled out of the Origin series decider with a foot injury. Walsh has battled knee soreness of his own in recent weeks but was unflinching in his final test before coach Billy Slater, who picked Walsh at fullback for all three games last season, names his Queensland side for the July 9 clash on Monday. 'Reece is ready, it's whether or not they decide to go that way,' Brisbane coach Michael Maguire, who led the Blues last year, said. 'I actually think Reece's footy is getting better. 'He was spoken about earlier in the season about where he was at when he first came into rounds one to five, but I think defensively Reece really grew through that period.' A crowd of 43,434 piled in for the first of two games at the venue on Saturday, with the relocated Dolphins v South Sydney clash at night a separately-ticketed event. Seeking a record seventh-consecutive victory away from Mt Smart Stadium, Andrew Webster's Warriors (10-5) were off the pace but then rallied despite losing key troops in the second half. Fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (knee) didn't return after the break while halfback Luke Metcalf (knee) also hobbled off after Brendan Piakura, who was placed on report, folded him as he passed. Both will have scans on their return to Auckland and fears are the injuries could be long-term ones. 'Spoke to the doctors, they said it could be a number of things,' coach Andrew Webster said. 'Two weeks in a row we haven't executed ... but so much spirit. 'That crowd out there, playing in moments like that, we're only going to get better. 'I said to the boys, 'A lot of other clubs would love what you guys have got'.' Adam Reynolds' pinpoint grubber kick found a rampaging Kotoni Staggs for the first try before Ezra Mam's long cut-out pass put Josiah Karapani over. Walsh set up Gehamat Shibasaki on the bell for an 18-0 halftime lead, the centre's body landing awkwardly on Nicoll-Klokstad's legs as he attempted to save the try. Walsh then beat four men only to be held up over the line to begin the second half. The Broncos fullback had earlier denied Chanel Harris-Tavita a try when he somehow got his body under the ball. Harris-Tavita then missed another chance when he knocked on attempting to ground a loose ball. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck finally had the visitors' first try after 45 minutes as they attempted to drag themselves into the contest. Walsh got involved again, earning the ire of Warriors fans when he won a penalty for being taken out while chasing a Reynolds kick. Reynolds' two-pointer made it 20-6 and then Shibasaki fumbled what would have been the match-sealer with 15 minutes to play. Leka Halasima collected a bomb at the other end to give the Warriors life at 20-12. But wide-open Warriors winger Edward Kosi knocked on with the line in sight and the Broncos got out of jail, Shibasaki eventually scoring the match-sealer.
