Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs former Captain Josh Jackson has been confirmed to stay on at the Club in an official capacity following his recent retirement news.
Whilst Jackson won’t join the team to train on under Ciraldo’s care in 2023, the Bulldogs have confirmed that he won’t be stepping away from the Bulldogs badge just yet. Rather, he will take up a post as a strength and conditioning coach for the club to which he has long belonged.
On top of the 11 seasons of top-flight rugby league he has played for the Bulldogs, Jackson completed a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science which saw him become the perfect candidate to bolster the Club’s strength and conditioning team ahead of the 2023 season.
“Whether it is on the field, or off the field, the fact remains that Josh is an invaluable member of our Team and our Bulldogs Family,” said Bulldogs CEO Aaron Warburton.
“He has been a player that has invested in studies and looked to build a career outside of sport and we’ve long supported that.”
With his degree and first-hand player knowledge behind him, the Bulldogs hope he will not only contribute to the conditioning of the 2023 side, but that he will continue to inspire and motivate the team who will now look to carry on the legacy that he leaves behind as a player: one of loyalty, grit, and determination.
“We have seen his value, his work ethic, and what he can bring to his teammates well beyond his post as a captain and player, and we are thrilled to see him transition into an official role within the Club,” said Warburton.
“To retain him in the blue and white is a huge win for us [the Bulldogs].”
Whilst the announcement of a new captain isn’t expected to take place until well into the new year, Head Coach Cameron Ciraldo will have the opportunity to lean on Jackson’s leadership guidance in the interim.
Jackson’s appointment sees him working with one of the best in the industry and this season’s new High-Performance Manager, Travis Touma.
“I’m really grateful that I'm able to stay on with the Club in the strength and conditioning role. It's made the transition really easy for me,” said Jackson.
“I'll still be around footy and around the boys and staff. So, I’m really looking forward to and excited about the next chapter. I'm excited to work with Travis and I think what excites me the most is being able to have a hand in the development of younger players.”
Jackson said watching players come through the ranks at the Bulldogs, transitioning from the Club’s junior systems and academies into first grade, is special to him.
“To see what it means to them [to debut] and their families, we get a great deal of satisfaction from it. And now I get to have a hands-on role in the physical preparation side of things. If I can help pass on a little bit of experience and guidance and things that I've learned along the way, and it helps them in their careers, it's certainly something that'll be satisfying for me."
Since retirement, Jackson has maintained a steady presence at the Club. As he officially makes the transition from player to staff, the Bulldogs are continuing to reflect on his immense contribution to the Club.
Jackson always let his actions do the talking and throughout the 2022 season - his last season - he led the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs with pride.
Jackson made 23 appearances for the Club in 2022 and made 900 tackles, 1814 running metres, and held a tackle efficiency of 94.1%. This year sees the former Captain take on a greater role behind the scenes at the Club, remaining a beloved member of the Bulldogs family.
Once a Bulldog, Always a Bulldog.
