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<\/p>\nPressed on specifics, Driussi was diplomatically vague: \u201cWe\u2019re exploring multiple AI applications, but competitive advantage comes from execution, not just ideas. The technology helps us analyse information and identify patterns that might otherwise be missed.\u201d<\/p>\n
What makes the Bulldogs\u2019 AI adoption particularly intriguing is Driussi\u2019s other role as CEO of Quantium, an Australian artificial intelligence and advanced analytics company. The firm works with major Australian companies, such as Woolworths, Commonwealth Bank, Telstra and Qantas.<\/p>\n
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Bulldogs players are already benefiting from AI.Credit: Getty Images<\/p>\n
The connection provides the Bulldogs access to world-class AI expertise that would typically cost NRL clubs millions of dollars to develop themselves. While Driussi is careful not to discuss any formal arrangements, the potential for knowledge transfer is obvious.<\/p>\n
The \u201cFamily Club\u201d previously revealed it used AI to identify Jacob Preston during his recruitment from the Roosters\u2019 pathways system, suggesting the technology has been instrumental in some of their personnel decisions.<\/p>\n
AI\u2019s influence on sport was one of the topics discussed at the NRL\u2019s Business of Sport Conference in Las Vegas at the University of Nevada, just before this year\u2019s season-opening matches at Allegiant Stadium. The headline speakers were Driussi and Paul Devlin, the latter the global strategy leader for betting, gaming and sports technology at Amazon Web Services.<\/p>\n
Devlin, who has held high-performance roles at the Brisbane Broncos, South Sydney, Parramatta and Melbourne Storm, said AI would transform the sporting landscape.<\/p>\n
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AI is being used extensively in the NFL.Credit: AP<\/p>\n
\u201cWe see AI as absolutely revolutionary, and we think it will impact every area of business in the future,\u201d Devlin says.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo everybody should be experimenting with it right now, so that was kind of the key message that came out of that NRL event … AI is going to improve every area of business, but it is really clear on the insight generation from the data side of it in a sport like rugby league on talent identification, load monitoring, safety of the games through simulations, as well as the fan side of sport as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
Several NRL clubs are already dabbling with AI. One leading head coach, speaking on the condition of anonymity to protect the club\u2019s intellectual property, said that AI had the potential to help analysts wade through reams of data to come up with a couple of key takeaways when preparing for an opponent.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s where I see the next step in world sport, how AI can save you time in identifying those trends so you\u2019re not wasting time doing it yourself,\u201d the coach says.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe advantage you get is saving man-hours, so you actually spend less time on computers and more with the players.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can see the information that\u2019s relevant; missed tackles is the most outdated stat because there\u2019s no context to it. And completion rates; seven of the top-10 completing teams didn\u2019t make the finals last year.\u201d<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a practical example of how AI is being used. One club found the best way to beat the Storm is to limit their time in possession. If you can restrict them to less than 23 minutes and 25 seconds with the football \u2013 they average 26 minutes and 36 seconds \u2013 you have an almost 100 per cent chance of winning. Not easy to do in reality, but it\u2019s useful information.<\/p>\n
While most NRL teams focus heavily on pre-contact metres \u2013 the distance gained before first defensive contact \u2013 to build momentum, a different focus is required to beat Canberra. AI found the Raiders were uniquely driven by post-contact metres, those tough yards gained after contact. Limit those metres, and you can stop the Green Machine.<\/p>\n
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AI has already identified at least one way to try to stop the Melbourne Storm.Credit: Getty Images<\/p>\n
Canterbury\u2019s embracing of AI reflects a broader transformation sweeping through professional sport worldwide. American sports leagues are leading the charge, with the NFL processing more than 500 million data points per season through its Digital Athlete system, reducing player injuries by 700 missed games since 2023. Major League Baseball has implemented AI for pitching analysis and injury prevention, while the NBA uses machine learning for player load management and game strategy optimisation.<\/p>\n
English Premier League clubs are using AI for recruitment: Brighton\u2019s system identified Moises Caicedo before his eventual \u00a3115 million ($240 million) transfer from them to Chelsea, while Liverpool\u2019s partnership with Google DeepMind has produced tactical analysis tools that club experts prefer over traditional methods 90 per cent of the time.<\/p>\n
The secrecy surrounding Canterbury\u2019s AI implementation is understandable given the competitive implications; NRL clubs are notoriously protective of innovations that might provide advantages.<\/p>\n
The technological investment aligns with the Bulldogs\u2019 recent restructure. The blue and whites are constructing a $50 million centre of excellence at Belmore and have significantly expanded their pathways programs, including taking over the Fiji Silktails program.<\/p>\n
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Major League Baseball has implemented AI for pitching analysis.Credit: Getty Images<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re building for long-term success,\u201d Driussi says. \u201cThat means investing in the best people, the best facilities and the best technology available to us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bulldogs chief executive Aaron Warburton confirmed the club\u2019s commitment to innovation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re always looking at ways to improve our operations and give our players and staff the best possible tools to succeed,\u201d Warburton says. \u201cTechnology is certainly part of that equation.\u201d<\/p>\n
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The club\u2019s return to finals football last year, after missing the post-season for eight seasons, has been attributed to improved recruitment, player development and coaching. However, the role of AI in this transformation remains largely hidden.<\/p>\n
Given the global AI sports market is tipped to grow from $1.2 billion to nearly $30 billion by 2032, getting in early could be the key to success. Already, rivals are playing catch-up to Canterbury.<\/p>\n
For a club that has endured wooden spoons and years of mediocrity, the Bulldogs are marrying old-school values with cutting-edge technology. Whether that translates to premiership glory remains to be seen, but the Bulldogs are betting heavily that the future of rugby league will be shaped by artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n