Canterbury Bulldogs shake off double HIA drama to outlast Cowboys
Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo pulled a masterstroke by leaving playmaker Lachlan Galvin off the bench to boost his forward stocks.
The visitors omitted Galvin and included forward Kurtis Morrin on the bench to give them forward depth with NSW prop Max King backing up from State of Origin.
Morrin was superb, as were big guns Matt Burton, Viliame Kikau and Reed Mahoney.
The win entrenched Canterbury in the top four after two straight losses.
The second half was scoreless and went right down to the final play when Bulldogs winger Jacob Kiraz tapped a Tom Dearden kick dead.
Canterbury rested State of Origin representatives Stephen Crichton and Kurt Mann and gave winger Jethro Rinakama his NRL debut.
Rinakama was superb and scored late in the first half after great work on the inside by Burton to give his side a 12-8 lead at half-time.
There was huge drama in the 59th minute when Burton and Morrin both went off for HIAs.
In the ensuing minutes Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater lost the ball in the process of scoring with Bulldogs star Viliame Kikau knocking the ball loose with a desperate tackle against his former club.
Burton and Morrin both returned and helped their side hang on.
Canterbury were clunky in attack early but that was a tribute to the hosts' best defensive mentality of the season.
North Queensland centre Zac Laybutt, who had an ACL injury last year, stepped his way with great confidence to score the opening try.
Burton, back in his favoured No.6 position, laid on a try for back-rower Jacob Preston with a deft kick late in the half before Rinakama gave them the lead.
Mahoney tackled like a demon against the club he will join next year.
Cowboys co-captain Dearden, after winning the Wally Lewis Medal as player of the series for Queensland in State of Origin, was dominant and involved early in attack and defence.
The Bulldogs were not at their best but they are past masters at winning ugly.
The Cowboys, on 17 points and three wins outside the top eight, are in danger of missing the finals.
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Sydney Morning Herald
an hour ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Galvin named at No.7 for Bulldogs as Tigers hand Taylan May club debut
Galvin was initially named on the bench for the clash with the Cowboys, only to be omitted at the 11th hour when coach Cameron Ciraldo opted for four forwards on the bench. While the Bulldogs scored a hard-fought 12-8 win, Ciraldo described their attack as 'a bit clunky at times', adding that his team performed better in back-to-back losses against Penrith and Brisbane, when Galvin played. Ciraldo will be hoping the reinstatement of Galvin, and the return of Origin stars Stephen Crichton and Kurt Mann, improve his team's potency with the ball. The 19-year-old former Wests Tigers playmaker will be making his first appearance as Canterbury's halfback, having played twice off the bench and twice as five-eighth. There have also been significant changes to the halves of several other teams. Veteran Chad Townsend has been recalled, after Hugo Savala suffered an injury, for his first game since round five when the Sydney Roosters meet Cronulla at Shark Park on Friday. Meanwhile, Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has opted to rest both his son Nathan and Isaah Yeo for Friday's clash with South Sydney at Commbank Stadium, while Liam Martin is unavailable because of the wrist injury he sustained in last week's State of Origin decider. NSW stars Dylan Edwards and Brian To'o are back after sitting out Sunday's win against Parramatta. Souths coach Wayne Bennett has named English import Lewis Dodd on the bench, for what will be his fourth NRL game since arriving from St Helens, and his first appearance since round nine. There was no place in Parramatta's top 17 for Newcastle-bound playmaker Dylan Brown, who was assigned jersey No.18 for the clash with the Raiders in Canberra on Saturday, allowing rookie Joash Papalii to start his second consecutive match at five-eighth. Brown's future role at Eels in question Dylan Brown may be heading to the bench or reserve grade for the rest of the season. Less than 24 hours after Lachlan Galvin's immediate future at Canterbury came under scrutiny when he was omitted from the squad that beat North Queensland in Townsville, Brown's selection prospects at Parramatta look equally uncertain after coach Jason Ryles revealed rookie Joash Papalii would be given every opportunity to establish himself at five-eighth. Brown, who is joining Newcastle next season on an unprecedented 10-year deal worth a reported $13 million, played hooker for the first time in his career in Parramatta's loss to Penrith on Sunday. But the return of Ryley Smith from suspension, and the signing of Tallyn Da Silva from Wests Tigers, means the 25-year-old won't be needed at dummy-half when the Eels clash with Canberra on Saturday. Ryles said Parramatta have opted for a policy of 'our future is now' and Brown was 'on board' with the change in direction. 'He's been really good, right from when he made his decision to move on,' Ryles said. 'He's been really receptive of anything that we've put to him. 'He's a really good person and a really selfless person for our footy club. So whilst he's still here, he's happy to do whatever is best for the team so it's a reflection of his character.' Ryles was non-committal when asked about Brown's selection prospects. 'Ryley's back next week, so come in on Tuesday or Wednesday and we'll sit down and put the names up and see what it looks like … I'll tell you next week,' he said. Brown's best chance of adding to his 138 NRL games for the Eels would appear to be a bit-part utility role off the bench, or as a stopgap injury replacement. The Kiwi international playmaker could also potentially be dropped back to NSW Cup, if Ryles sticks to the plan of preferring young players who will be at the club next season and beyond. The coach indicated 21-year-old Papalii, who debuted earlier in the season, would be given an extended run at five-eighth. 'Obviously our spine was young tonight, for periods there, but that's where we're going with the club,' he said. 'We've decided to take that approach, and I'm really comfortable with it. 'I just need to get them on the field as often as possible for as long as they can, and get their lessons while they're developing.' Walsh magic sinks Titans as Broncos put more heat on Hasler Joel Gould Brisbane fullback Reece Walsh came up with the big plays to sink Gold Coast and heap further pressure on Titans coach Des Hasler. Brisbane won their fifth game in a row - a 26-14 victory at Robina on Sunday night - to stay fifth in the NRL standings and keep alive their top-four hopes. The last-placed Titans had chances to win, but failed to win the key moments. It was a far from convincing display by the Broncos, who were error-riddled in the first half. Their opponents were no better. Walsh scored a try and set one up when the match was on the line, while centre Kotoni Staggs was the best player on the field. The scores were locked at 2-2 until the Broncos scored twice in the final four minutes of the first half to take a 14-2 lead. The Broncos finally went over in the 34th minute, and it was rookie 26-year-old prop Ben Talty who scored his first NRL try in his second match. Staggs swooped on a loose pass minutes later when it appeared the Titans would score, and back-rower Jack Gosiewski scored at the other end after a Walsh pass. Walsh started and finished a long-range try after the break and topped it off with a back-flip to boot to give his side a 20-2 lead. Two tries to Titans centre Jojo Fifita in the space of nine minutes lit up a crowd of 24,553. An AJ Brimson grubber and a superb interchange between half Jayden Campbell and forward Chris Randall set up the four-pointers. Loading The Titans went close to levelling before Broncos hooker Billy Walters scored at the other end. Earlier, Broncos second-rower Brendan Piakura knocked on early while attempting to score after an Adam Reynolds kick and was concussed in the process. He failed his HIA and did not return. Hasler, who is contracted until the end of 2026, remains the centre of plenty of discussion regarding his future.
The Age
an hour ago
- The Age
Galvin named at No.7 for Bulldogs as Tigers hand Taylan May club debut
Galvin was initially named on the bench for the clash with the Cowboys, only to be omitted at the 11th hour when coach Cameron Ciraldo opted for four forwards on the bench. While the Bulldogs scored a hard-fought 12-8 win, Ciraldo described their attack as 'a bit clunky at times', adding that his team performed better in back-to-back losses against Penrith and Brisbane, when Galvin played. Ciraldo will be hoping the reinstatement of Galvin, and the return of Origin stars Stephen Crichton and Kurt Mann, improve his team's potency with the ball. The 19-year-old former Wests Tigers playmaker will be making his first appearance as Canterbury's halfback, having played twice off the bench and twice as five-eighth. There have also been significant changes to the halves of several other teams. Veteran Chad Townsend has been recalled, after Hugo Savala suffered an injury, for his first game since round five when the Sydney Roosters meet Cronulla at Shark Park on Friday. Meanwhile, Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has opted to rest both his son Nathan and Isaah Yeo for Friday's clash with South Sydney at Commbank Stadium, while Liam Martin is unavailable because of the wrist injury he sustained in last week's State of Origin decider. NSW stars Dylan Edwards and Brian To'o are back after sitting out Sunday's win against Parramatta. Souths coach Wayne Bennett has named English import Lewis Dodd on the bench, for what will be his fourth NRL game since arriving from St Helens, and his first appearance since round nine. There was no place in Parramatta's top 17 for Newcastle-bound playmaker Dylan Brown, who was assigned jersey No.18 for the clash with the Raiders in Canberra on Saturday, allowing rookie Joash Papalii to start his second consecutive match at five-eighth. Brown's future role at Eels in question Dylan Brown may be heading to the bench or reserve grade for the rest of the season. Less than 24 hours after Lachlan Galvin's immediate future at Canterbury came under scrutiny when he was omitted from the squad that beat North Queensland in Townsville, Brown's selection prospects at Parramatta look equally uncertain after coach Jason Ryles revealed rookie Joash Papalii would be given every opportunity to establish himself at five-eighth. Brown, who is joining Newcastle next season on an unprecedented 10-year deal worth a reported $13 million, played hooker for the first time in his career in Parramatta's loss to Penrith on Sunday. But the return of Ryley Smith from suspension, and the signing of Tallyn Da Silva from Wests Tigers, means the 25-year-old won't be needed at dummy-half when the Eels clash with Canberra on Saturday. Ryles said Parramatta have opted for a policy of 'our future is now' and Brown was 'on board' with the change in direction. 'He's been really good, right from when he made his decision to move on,' Ryles said. 'He's been really receptive of anything that we've put to him. 'He's a really good person and a really selfless person for our footy club. So whilst he's still here, he's happy to do whatever is best for the team so it's a reflection of his character.' Ryles was non-committal when asked about Brown's selection prospects. 'Ryley's back next week, so come in on Tuesday or Wednesday and we'll sit down and put the names up and see what it looks like … I'll tell you next week,' he said. Brown's best chance of adding to his 138 NRL games for the Eels would appear to be a bit-part utility role off the bench, or as a stopgap injury replacement. The Kiwi international playmaker could also potentially be dropped back to NSW Cup, if Ryles sticks to the plan of preferring young players who will be at the club next season and beyond. The coach indicated 21-year-old Papalii, who debuted earlier in the season, would be given an extended run at five-eighth. 'Obviously our spine was young tonight, for periods there, but that's where we're going with the club,' he said. 'We've decided to take that approach, and I'm really comfortable with it. 'I just need to get them on the field as often as possible for as long as they can, and get their lessons while they're developing.' Walsh magic sinks Titans as Broncos put more heat on Hasler Joel Gould Brisbane fullback Reece Walsh came up with the big plays to sink Gold Coast and heap further pressure on Titans coach Des Hasler. Brisbane won their fifth game in a row - a 26-14 victory at Robina on Sunday night - to stay fifth in the NRL standings and keep alive their top-four hopes. The last-placed Titans had chances to win, but failed to win the key moments. It was a far from convincing display by the Broncos, who were error-riddled in the first half. Their opponents were no better. Walsh scored a try and set one up when the match was on the line, while centre Kotoni Staggs was the best player on the field. The scores were locked at 2-2 until the Broncos scored twice in the final four minutes of the first half to take a 14-2 lead. The Broncos finally went over in the 34th minute, and it was rookie 26-year-old prop Ben Talty who scored his first NRL try in his second match. Staggs swooped on a loose pass minutes later when it appeared the Titans would score, and back-rower Jack Gosiewski scored at the other end after a Walsh pass. Walsh started and finished a long-range try after the break and topped it off with a back-flip to boot to give his side a 20-2 lead. Two tries to Titans centre Jojo Fifita in the space of nine minutes lit up a crowd of 24,553. An AJ Brimson grubber and a superb interchange between half Jayden Campbell and forward Chris Randall set up the four-pointers. Loading The Titans went close to levelling before Broncos hooker Billy Walters scored at the other end. Earlier, Broncos second-rower Brendan Piakura knocked on early while attempting to score after an Adam Reynolds kick and was concussed in the process. He failed his HIA and did not return. Hasler, who is contracted until the end of 2026, remains the centre of plenty of discussion regarding his future.
The Australian
2 hours ago
- The Australian
NRL 2025: Lachlan Galvin set to play halfback for the Bulldogs
The Bulldogs are confident Lachlan Galvin has enough time to forge a potent halves combination with Matt Burton following confirmation that the mid-season recruit will make his first start at halfback for the club on Saturday night. The intrigue around Galvin's role in the team and how that's affected other players in the spine has been a major talking point ever since he arrived at Belmore. It hasn't helped that he's started two games at five-eighth and two on the bench, while Galvin – who turned 20 this week – was dropped from the 17 last week after initially being named on the bench for the match against the Cowboys. But the No.7 jersey is now his with Toby Sexton dropped from the halves for the game against the Dragons. It'll give Galvin two months to build his combination with Burton, who came up with some big plays in attack to help them sneak past the Cowboys. Lachlan Galvin was left off the bench for the Bulldogs last week, but he will start on Saturday at halfback. Picture:'It's up to the boys getting around him and giving him the confidence to do what he does best, and that's just play footy,' Bulldogs utility Jaeman Salmon said. 'The game will come if he plays his normal game, and we just have to give him the confidence to do that. 'We've still got a third of the season left and I think that's enough time to build a combination leading into the finals. 'As long as we all get around him, I'm sure he'll be fine.' Salmon said coach Cameron Ciraldo made the announcement at a 'stock standard' team meeting on Tuesday morning and the obsession around Canterbury's spine wasn't a factor internally. 'I think that's what the media portrayed. You guys have been waiting for it, but in here, we haven't been waiting for anything,' he said. 'Whoever the best player to do that job is going to play that position, and that's with all our positions. 'No one is ever safe. Whatever pick has been made is what's best for the team. Galvin has two months to work on his combinations before the finals start. Picture: NRL Photos 'Toby is a good mate of all of ours, but that's just part of the game. It's hard for him but we're all going to be there to support him. 'You wouldn't have even noticed that there's been stuff going on in the media about Lachie. 'He's just a young kid who wants to play footy. He's been handling it really well. He just wants to learn, and that's why we like him. He's just been a sponge since he got here and he just wants to soak it all up.' Edge forward Jacob Preston said he felt for Sexton and was confident that he and Galvin would gel on the right side in attack. The Bulldogs haven't been at their clinical best in attack since Galvin arrived, but the end of the State of Origin period should help as they spend the next eight weeks ensuring they're in the best position to contend for a title. 'Ever since he got here, we've been doing work. And we work all different halves,' Preston said. 'If we've ever had to change sides as well, we're making sure we get that done as well. The combinations are ready to go. ''Galvo' is incredibly talented, so he can create plenty of opportunities and we just have to react to that.'
