The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have officially announced Mark O'Meley will take over the helm as the club's NRLW head coach for 2027.
O'Meley will step up to provide strength in the women's first-grade side following a successful stint as the Harold Matthews head coach for the past three seasons, while also having history as the head coach of the Knights NSW Cup team.
He has also assisted across the Bulldogs' programs through both men's and women's talent, along with state-level pathway commitments.
Current head coach Brayden Wiliame will step down as coach at the end of the season and move into a pathways role in the men's system after taking on the NRLW coaching position in the past 18 months.
'Ogre' is widely considered a club legend in Belmore, and will instil strong culture into the women's playing group as they endeavour through their early years as a franchise.
O'Meley played 110 games in the blue and white, starting in the front row during the Bulldogs' 2004 premiership win against the Roosters.
On top of his clubland achievements, he has donned the NSW Blues sky blue 10 times, while being called up to represent Australia at Test level 14 times.
“I'm incredibly grateful and blessed to be given the opportunity to be the NRLW Head Coach for 2027,” O'Meley said in a Bulldogs statement.
"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.”
Bulldogs GM of football Phil Gould was full of praise for Wiliame's stint as the NRLW head coach and is excited at what heights the playing group can reach under 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,” Gould 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.”
