The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are proud to announce the appointment of Club legend Mark O’Meley as NRLW Head Coach for the 2027 season.
O’Meley featured in 110 NRL games for the Bulldogs between 2002 and 2007, playing a pivotal role in the 2004 Premiership. He also had stints at North Sydney Bears, Northern Eagles and the Sydney Roosters as well as spending four years in the English Super League with Hull FC.
The 10-time NSW Origin representative and 14-time Kangaroo hung up the boots in 2013 and has gone on to carve out a successful career in coaching.
O’Meley previously led the Newcastle Knights’ NSW Cup side and has also held various coaching roles in the NSW Origin pathways program.
Most recently O’Meley has coached the Club’s Harold Matthews side for the last three seasons, while also assisting across both the men’s and women’s programs.
The Club is also excited to confirm current NRLW Head Coach Brayden Wiliame will remain at the Bulldogs in 2027, moving into a men’s pathways role.
O’Meley shared his excitement to step into his new role next season.
“I’m incredibly grateful and blessed to be given the opportunity to be the NRLW Head Coach for 2027,” he said.
It’s a role I’m extremely proud of, and one I don’t take lightly. My philosophy has always been about building strong connections, setting high standards, keeping things simple and making sure we’re the best we can be at the basics.
“We’ll be tough, we’ll be connected, and we’ll be hungry to get better every day. The details matter, but so does enjoying the journey together.
“I’m really excited about what we can build in 2027 and, most importantly, I’m excited to represent this Club, our Members and our community with the pride it deserves.”
General Manager of Football Phil Gould AM thanked Wiliame for his time in the role and congratulated O’Meley.
“Brayden has done a tremendous job building the foundation of our women’s program over the last 18 months and is committed to finishing his time as our NRLW Coach on a high,” he said.
We’re excited that Brayden will be staying at the Club in our pathways program and are confident that his past experience in player development will set him up for success in his new role. We’re equally excited about Mark stepping into the Head Coach role. He’s been doing great things in our men’s pathways and we know that his footy IQ and experience will be valuable to our women’s squad.
“‘Ogre’ has a rich history with this Club and we’re looking forward to seeing our Members and fans get behind him next season.”
