Galvin impresses, Bulldogs ponder how to use him

Jasper Bruce | June 3, 2025

Cameron Ciraldo doesn’t yet know which position Lachlan Galvin will play for Canterbury, but feels it’s “short-sighted” to suggest the ladder-leaders are good enough without the teen star in 2025.

Galvin has been named on the Bulldogs’ extended bench to face Parramatta on Monday, leaving the door open for a club debut only days after the five-eighth’s messy mid-season exit from Wests Tigers.

Coach Ciraldo has guaranteed Galvin will not dislodge Toby Sexton from halfback for round 14 following speculation about how Canterbury’s high-profile signing will impact the off-contract journeyman.

Galvin could be forced to progress through NSW Cup onto a club debut, but at the rate he is going Ciraldo says the 19-year-old is putting himself in the frame to face the Eels.

“It’s a sign of his character that he was happy to come here and play reserve grade,’ Ciraldo said.

“But the first two sessions he’s had here, he’s impressed us all with his attitude and his work ethic. If he continues that, he’ll be in the team before too long.”

Debate has raged as to how Galvin will squeeze into a Bulldogs side that has shown strong premiership credentials to lead the competition with a 9-2 record through 13 rounds.

Galvin’s usual five-eighth position is occupied by former captain and attacking talisman Matt Burton, while lock or second row could be long-term options if he packs on some size.

Ciraldo also suggested Galvin had junior experience playing fullback.

“We’ll make those decisions later in the week,” Ciraldo said.

“There’s six days left until we play so we’ve still got four or five more sessions for him to feel more comfortable, which is good for him.

“It gives him an opportunity to prove to us that he should be in the team.”

Lining up next to Burton in the halves is off the table for this week as Ciraldo backs off-contract Sexton to face the Eels.

Amid speculation Galvin’s arrival could open the door for Sexton to return to Gold Coast, Ciraldo said the 24-year-old had it in him to remain starting halfback for the remainder of the season.

“Toby will be the halfback on Monday against the Eels,” Ciraldo said.

“Toby knows that he’s the master of his own destiny there. He knows if he’s playing his best footy and he’s the best option for us to win games, then he’ll be in that No.7 jersey.

“He’s done some things really well and we’ve been really open about some things that we want him to do better. He’s working really hard on that.”

The coach rubbished suggestions the Bulldogs’ premiership push was humming along well enough without risking disruption by adding a new player.

“I think that’s a pretty short-sighted view. Our job at this club is to try and get better every day and we’ve got to make decisions that are in the best interest of the club,” he said.

“Bringing someone of Lachie’s calibre into this team and into this club is a decision made in the best interest of this club.”

Galvin was subject to social media ridicule from ex-teammates Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva after news he planned to leave the Tigers, but appears to be gelling well with the Bulldogs playing group.

The senior players endorsed the club’s decision to sign Galvin, Ciraldo said.

“We had those conversations with the senior players and with the guys that it probably affects more than others,” he said.

“The boys have accepted him into the group and he’s getting to know everyone. I couldn’t be happier with the way he’s settled in.”