Connor Tracy’s Bizarre Injury, the Bulldogs Revolution, and the "Love of Footy"
In this edition of Kenty Prime Time, Paul Kent and John Elias are joined by Bulldogs star Connor Tracy to discuss his "freak" injury, the meticulous coaching of Cameron Ciraldo, and what it really takes to rebuild a club from the bottom of the ladder.
The Gory Details: Tracy’s Burst Artery
Connor Tracy opens up about one of the strangest injuries in recent NRL memory. What began as a minor abdomen tear escalated quickly after a match against Manly when an artery burst, bleeding directly into his stomach. Tracy describes the terrifying moment he woke up with a "big ball of blood" in his midsection, initially fearing it was a hernia. Fortunately, surgery wasn't required; the recovery involves resting to let the body naturally reabsorb the blood. After a long stint on the sidelines with three consecutive ACL tears earlier in his career, Tracy is optimistic about a return in the coming weeks, having already resumed light running.
Inside the Ciraldo System: "Turning on One Foot"
A major theme of the discussion is the "Bulldogs Revolution" led by coach Cameron Ciraldo and Phil Gould. Tracy provides a fascinating look at the level of detail involved in Ciraldo’s defensive system. He explains that they spend hours practicing "turning mechanics"—specifically how to retreat to the line and turn off a single foot to save a split second. This "attention to detail" is what Tracy believes separates the top-tier clubs from the rest, noting that the system only works if the players are fit enough to maintain high intensity for the full 80 minutes.
The Power of the "Love of Footy"
Kenty and Tracy delve into the recruitment philosophy at Belmore. Ciraldo and Gould prioritize players who genuinely "love footy." Tracy explains that this passion is the "base ingredient" that drives players to do the extras—watching hours of training video on their phones, studying opponents, and rocking up early. He contrasts this with players who treat the game as just a job, arguing that in the modern professional era, you simply won't last if you aren't obsessed with the sport. Tracy credits this culture, spearheaded by leaders like Stephen Crichton, for the club’s rapid ascent to the top four.
The Belmore Vibe and the "Leos"
John Elias brings up the unique atmosphere at Belmore, particularly the passionate Lebanese supporter base. Tracy calls them the "best in the league," describing the electric energy during home games and the community spirit that sees supporters cooking for the team. Elias even gives Tracy a quick lesson in Arabic terms used by the fans, highlighting the deep connection between the club and its local community.
Looking Ahead: The Premiership Expectation
As the Bulldogs head into the finals, Kenty doesn't mince words—given their form, anything less than a premiership challenge would be a disappointment. Tracy acknowledges the high expectations and the tough run home against heavyweights like the Storm and Panthers. However, he maintains that the team's "effort-based" game is "fault-proof" in big matches. The Bulldogs aren't just happy to be in the top four; they are preparing to prove they belong at the very top.
Watch the full episode on Fanatics TV.
