Galvin takes ‘brilliant’ attitude to Bulldogs’ bench

Jasper Bruce | June 25, 2025

Lachlan Galvin has taken a “brilliant” attitude towards being pushed onto the bench but Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo claims not to have decided whether he will stay there beyond this week.

Matt Burton’s return from NSW Origin duty has forced prized mid-season signing Galvin, rather than off-contract journeyman Toby Sexton, out of the starting halves to face Penrith on Thursday.

The surprise move comes as the ladder-leading Bulldogs continue to contemplate how best to use all three halves options on the charge to the NRL finals.

The versatile Galvin came on from the bench and into the halves for his club debut against Parramatta earlier this month, pushing Sexton to hooker.

That move could be reprised against a resurgent Panthers side chasing their fourth consecutive win.

“We’ve got probably got plan A, plan B and plan C,” Ciraldo said.

“He’s there as bit of insurance for our backs and if an opportunity arises somewhere else, he’s been training in a number of positions.

“He’s been brilliant (about being benched), he just says, ‘Whatever you need, I’m ready to go’. That’s the type of people we want here.”

Sexton holds his spot at No.7 after an impressive performance in the win over South Sydney before Canterbury’s bye.

On the surface, the kick-first, workmanlike Sexton appears to complement Burton better than Galvin – a rangy, eyes-up player like the Dogs five-eighth.

Ciraldo would not guarantee how long Galvin would remain on the bench.

“They’ve all got their different strengths and our job as a coaching staff is to figure out what those strengths are and fit it in with what’s best for the team. That’s what’s best for the team this week,” Ciraldo said.

“I think what we’ve done really well over the last period is just take it one week at a time, not think too far ahead, and that’s what we’ve done this week.”

Thursday’s clash at CommBank Stadium looms as the match of round 17, with Penrith finally appearing to have recovered from a dismal start to their fourth-straight premiership defence.

The eighth-placed Panthers have won their last seven games against Canterbury, but this year’s Bulldogs are the strongest they’ve faced in that streak dating back to 2019.

“They’re the benchmark of the whole competition, and rightly so,” said Penrith co-captain Isaah Yeo.

“They play that field position and possession style of game, and they’ve got the guys who can do it. They’re really fit.”