Galvin’s Big-Money Move Sparks Bulldogs Downfall as Star Duo Shown the Door
An hour before the Bulldogs’ Friday night clash against the Broncos, coach Cameron Ciraldo made a bold and unexpected reshuffle to his backline. Rising young playmaker Lachlan Galvin, who recently joined the club on a lucrative three-and-a-half-year deal reportedly worth $750,000 per season, was promoted to the starting lineup. This decision saw Galvin partner Toby Sexton in the halves, while Matt Burton—previously a key figure in the Bulldogs’ spine—was pushed out to the centres.
The shake-up did little to inspire a turnaround, with the Bulldogs falling to the Broncos in what marked their third loss in five matches. This disappointing run of form has seen them slide from first to third on the NRL ladder, raising questions about whether the mid-season introduction of Galvin has disrupted the team’s previously successful structure.
Galvin’s arrival was hailed as a long-term investment, but some within the club and among the fan base are now wondering if his insertion into the playmaking role has come at too great a cost. Before his arrival, the Bulldogs were thriving with a settled spine, and the chemistry between Sexton, Mahoney, and Burton was one of the key reasons behind their strong start to the season.
As speculation grows, comparisons have already started between Galvin and other rising stars. Some believe Connor Hayward, due to his versatility across dummy-half and the halves, should be preferred over Galvin in the current setup. “At this stage in their careers, I have Hayward ahead,” one analyst noted. “He can cover more roles and does an outstanding job in the halves.”
More troubling for Bulldogs fans is the long-term fallout. Despite the promise Galvin brings, his signing has inadvertently pushed two key players—Toby Sexton and hooker Reed Mahoney—towards the exit at season’s end. It’s a reminder that big-money signings, while aimed at long-term success, can have immediate consequences that shake the balance of a squad mid-season.
