Latest news with #LachieGalvin
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dogs urged to make brutal call on Galvin as fans all say same thing about replacement
Former Bulldogs player Michael Ennis has suggested the club might be better keeping Lachie Galvin in reserve grade until next season, while Cameron Smith and Andrew Johns have also weighed in on the situation. And Latu Fainu showed on Sunday the future is still bright for the Wests Tigers despite Galvin's departure. Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo made a curious decision to switch Matt Burton to the centres on Friday night against the Broncos so Galvin could start at five-eighth. But the move didn't exactly work, as the Dogs coughed up an 18-0 lead to lose 22-18. It came after Ciraldo's decision to insert Galvin into the halves off the bench against the Panthers also backfired, leading to an 8-6 loss. Questions are now being asked about the best way for the Bulldogs to utilise Galvin going forward. The 19-year-old will become the starting halfback in 2026 when Toby Sexton moves to the Catalans Dragons in France. But for the time being, the tactic of starting Galvin on the bench and then moving Sexton to hooker mid-game doesn't seem to be working. Speaking in commentary for Fox League, Ennis suggested Ciraldo might need to take his medicine and leave Galvin out of the first-grade team. 'What they do with Galvin, he's either on the bench or playing in reserve grade … that's the decision they have to make at the moment." Ennis said the ideal scenario would be for Galvin to come back into the first-grade set-up in the pre-season. "Ideally, Galvin comes in the pre-season and they get a full pre-season to develop him,' Ennis said. 'That's not the case, he's walked into a side that's leading the competition with Sexton and Burton in great form as the halves pairing. 'Reed Mahoney and Bailey Haywood compliment each other around the ruck. That spine is so stable, the game plan they look to execute, they execute it.' On the Sunday Footy Show, Smith said: "If they do that, and Galvin has a bench spot, I reckon they need to find or identify a particular spot he plays. I think the rotation where Mahoney comes off, Sexton goes to 9, I don't think that works." RELATED: Wife's revelation about Cameron Munster amid family tragedy Family first as Panthers star withdraws from representative games But Smith and Johns both predicted that Sexton might be axed this week and Galvin handed the No.7 role. "I think they'll go with Galvin, I think he'll play halfback," Johns said. "It's hard for them to judge, the first half they looked really good but second half they dropped that much ball but with him moving on I think they'll go Galvin and Burton." Smith added: "I think they will as well, but it's a really tough call on Toby Sexton. They're still sitting top two, he's been their No.7 for the first half of the season and he's got them into the position they're in right now. To gain a player halfway through the season like Lachie Galvin, as good as Lachie Galvin is, it's a tough call on Toby Sexton to say: 'Righto mate, thanks for that first half of the year, out you go'." Meanwhile, Tigers fans were frothing over the performance of Fainu on Sunday as the Tigers shocked the Roosters 30-28. Stepping up in the absence of Jarome Luai due to State of Origin duty, Fainu was brilliant as he scored a try and had a hand in multiple others. It led fans to suggest the Tigers made the right call in letting Galvin walk early if it means Fainu gets more regular playing time. "Regardless of the result, just the way the boys turned up today and actually fought, backs against the wall, given no chance, young side, new spine, players out of position," coach Benji Marshall said. "We showed for most of that game a lot of the things we've been good at for the last four or five weeks. I'm just proud of the boys' effort." Latu Fainu is 100 miles better player than Galvin will ever be and don't @me!!! @9_Moley — Ray Gatt (@Gatty54) July 6, 2025 Latu Fainu > Lachie Galvin#NRLRoostersTigers — Morty 🌵 (@user26194735) July 6, 2025 If we're serious about the way Wests get absolutely hammered in the media, then surely we're all agreeing that they got letting Galvin walk now absolutely correct based on what we've seen from Latu Fainu — Brenden (@brendenfingers) July 6, 2025 @WestsTigers fansDon't sweat Galvin, Da Silva or even Luai anymore, your future is right there in Lati Fainu @ halfback #NRLRoostersTigers — Wazza (@WarrenJB3) July 6, 2025
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NRL world reacts as Toby Sexton signs $1m deal to replace retiring premiership hero
Toby Sexton has agreed to a deal with Catalans Dragons in the English Super League for 2026, and will replace Roosters and Rabbitohs premiership hero Luke Keary. Catalans confirmed on Thursday night that Sexton will be a Dragon next season after the Bulldogs' signing of Lachie Galvin effectively forced him out. Sexton has been fantastic as the Bulldogs' starting halfback in 2025, leading the Canterbury club to second on the NRL ladder after 17 rounds. However he was without a contract past this season, and the signing of Galvin from the Wests Tigers has forced him out. Sexton has switched from halfback to hooker during games in recent weeks when Galvin has been brought onto the field - a move that backfired in their recent loss to Penrith. The Dogs clearly see Galvin as the future No.7, meaning there's no room for Sexton. The 24-year-old has now signed a two-year deal with Catalans worth $500,000 per season. He reportedly had interest from a rival Sydney NRL club, but has opted to head to France instead. Speaking on 100% Footy on Monday night, Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould insisted Sexton hadn't been tapped on the shoulder to leave. 'Toby's doing a great job,' Gould said. "We'll get through this season, then we'll see where Toby is, what his options are, and what he wants to do. 'We haven't dismissed the fact Toby Sexton will be with us next year. We haven't dismissed that at all. What we're going to do is just let him get through this season.' Upon hearing the news of Sexton's move overseas, the general consensus from NRL fans is the halfback is too good to be playing in the Super League. With Perth and PNG coming into the NRL in 2027 and 2028 respectively, the door might be ajar for a quick return to Australia. I find it remarkable that not a single NRL club will take on Toby Sexton….Seriously?! — Jason Finlow (@JasonFinlow) July 3, 2025 Far too good a player in a league starved of quality 7s. He'll be back in no time. Honestly surprised a team like Canberra didnt make a play — Brian de Groot (@BriandeGroot7) July 3, 2025 Great signing for Catalans! At the age of 24 I think Toby Sexton has his best year's ahead of him. Excited to see him in Super League! — Alex Lambe 🏉 (@RugbyLambo) July 3, 2025 Toby Sexton lead the Dogs to top of the table prior to Origin Two Hes not headed to the super league Legit would not believe it if I hadn't just seen it — Blank (@suthodan) July 3, 2025 Poor sexton he's been going well in the nrl I would of liked to see him at tigers — Luke Wilkinson (@LukeWil778358) July 3, 2025 Sexton's move to Catalans will see him replace the retiring Keary. The Roosters and Rabbitohs premiership player had initially planned to spend two years playing in the Super League to finish his career, but has reportedly had a change of heart. The 33-year-old is set to wrap up his career at the end of this season, hanging up the boots one year earlier than planned. Keary initially announced he was retiring at the end of the 2024 season with the Roosters, before he was convinced to sign a two-year deal with Catalans. He recently made controversial comments about the quality of the Super League, which saw him cop a fine. He's now reportedly had enough and doesn't want to put his body through another season of top-flight footy. RELATED: Mal Meninga snares key figure from Titans to join Perth Bears Calls for NRL rule change after Wayne Bennett hit with brutal ban Keary won a premiership with Souths in 2014, before a high-profile switch to the Roosters that saw him win another two titles in 2018 and 2019. When asked on SEN radio on Thursday whether Keary would consider one more year in the NRL, journalist Michael Carayannis said it's unlikely. "I don't think he has got the motivation. That is my understanding of it all," Carayannis said. "I think his family is really enjoying life in France and I think if he had that desire to play on, he would fulfil that second season. It wouldn't stop a club from asking the question, but I think his time in the NRL is all-but done."
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Player overlooked by Panthers floated as Tallyn Da Silva's replacement at Tigers
The Wests Tigers have upgraded the contract of 18-year-old hooker Jared Haywood, and it goes some way to explaining why the club was comfortable letting Tallyn Da Silva walk. Da Silva has made an immediate switch to Parramatta, leaving Tigers fans fuming that the club would let another highly-rated youngster leave. Da Silva and Lachie Galvin were though to be the future for the Tigers, but are now at the Eels and Bulldogs respectively. The Tigers have opted to prioritise veteran hooker Api Koroisau, and are on the cusp of agreeing to a contract extension with the 32-year-old. It meant Da Silva didn't have much of an immediate future at Concord, but will get much more playing time at Parramatta. Tigers fans have been left fuming over the decision to let the 20-year-old Da Silva walk, with many questioning what the plan is for when Koroisau retires. And a key move this week appears to answer that question. The Tigers have upgraded the contract of 18-year-old prodigy Haywood - believed to be one of the best young hookers in the game - and given him an NRL deal until the end of 2028. The teenager will join the Tigers' top-30 roster from 2027, and could find himself as the club's long-term No.9. He's been on a train-and-trial deal with the Tigers this season, which was recently changed to become a full-time one. 📣 The Wests Tigers have upgraded the contract of 18-year-old Jared Haywood — one of the best young dummy-halves in the game.▪️ Overlooked by Penrith at Harold Matts trials▪️ Now locked in until the end of 2028▪️ Joins Tigers Top 30 in 2027▪️ Captained SG Ball side▪️… — NRLCentral (@centralNRL) July 2, 2025 Hayward was captain of Balmain's SG Ball Cup side (Under-19s), and won the NRL schoolboys grand final with Patrician Brothers' College Blacktown. He also earned selection in the Australian Schoolboys squad in 2024. Interestingly, Haywood tried out for the Penrith Panthers' Harold Matthews side (Under-17s), but was overlooked. Whether it comes back to haunt the Panthers remains to be seen. RELATED: Roosters and Rabbitohs premiership winner reportedly set to retire Calls for NRL rule change after Wayne Bennett hit with brutal ban Haywood played in the pre-season challenge with the Tigers earlier this year, and impressed a number of first-grade players. "He's trained with us a few times and he's a really exciting prospect," Alex Twal told . "First and foremost, he's a really respectful kid and I think any kid that is sort of building off a foundation of being a good kid, they've got a long career ahead of them. I'm looking forward to taking him under my wing and showing him what it takes to be an NRL player week in, week out." As for Da Silva, Tigers captain Jarome Luai admits he can understand why the 20-year-old jumped ship to the Eels. Tigers officials agreed they were happy to allow the youngster to look at rival clubs if they re-signed Koroisau, and they eventually decided to let him make a mid-season switch before June 30. "It's a bit disappointing for the club and us as a playing group," Luai said. "We see the potential he has and the biggest thing for him was more opportunity. "It's understandable for a guy that is behind Api. It's a tricky one. Everyone is entitled to that opinion, what they want and what they are chasing. All the best to him. I think he will get more opportunity at Parramatta anyway. He's going to be a very good player for a very long time."
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cooper Cronk calls out Lachie Galvin move that backfired on Bulldogs teammate
Cooper Cronk has highlighted how Lachie Galvin's presence on the field contributed to Nathan Cleary's match-winning try for the Panthers against the Bulldogs in Thursday night's NRL thriller. Galvin started on the bench but replaced Reed Mahoney with 28 minutes remaining. Dogs coach Cameron Ciraldo shuffled Galvin into the halves and moved Toby Sexton to hooker - a move that proved contentious and also backfired. The Bulldogs were leading 6-2 with Galvin on the bench, but the tide turned in the Panthers' favour when he was injected into the game. He let Cleary run straight past him just seconds after getting on the field - a line-break that seemed to swing the momentum towards the Panthers after the Bulldogs held the upper hand all night. In the very next set, Cleary produced a stunning play to charge down a Matt Burton kick before regathering and scoring what turned out to be the match-winning try. Speaking in commentary for Fox League, legendary halfback Cronk pointed out that Galvin being on the field made it easier for Cleary to produce his match-winning play. Because Galvin doesn't have as good a long-kicking game as Sexton, Cleary and the Panthers knew Burton would be kicking on the last. Rather than having to guess which side of the ruck the kick would come from, Cleary was 100 per cent it was going to Burton. "He is one of the smartest players in our game Nathan Cleary," Cronk said. "He realised Matt Burton is the No.1 kicker. Normally he does it with a pass or a kick, but this time he did it with his footy IQ. "The reason why he was able to isolate Matt Burton is when Galvin came onto the field, Burton becomes the main kicker out of their own end. It meant Cleary could get a head-start (on Burton) and pressure him." Speaking after the Panthers held on for an 8-6 win, Matty Johns also questioned why Ciraldo changed his spine in the middle of the game. "It's hard when you change a winning spine," he said. "They'll have to figure out what to do with Galvin moving forward." RELATED: Sam Burgess rejection could see Dolphins sign international star New club emerges to snare premiership-winning Panthers forward Despite the loss, Ciraldo was adamant it was the right call to inject Galvin. The 19-year-old looked likely whenever he touched the ball, but the Dogs weren't as polished as when Sexton was pulling the strings. "I thought it worked pretty well tonight," Ciraldo said in his press conference. "I like how it is working at the moment. Reed rips in, gets his work done, works himself to a standstill. "Toby going in there and shoring up the ruck and providing good service. And then Lachy comes on and can ask really good questions, which he did. I'm very happy with how it's going at the moment, don't see any reason to change it." But fans and pundits were quick to highlight how the game changed when Galvin came on. Daily Telegraph columnist 'The Oracle' wrote on social media: "Mahoney was playing well at dummy half and Sexton controlling things beautifully at 7. Galvin will undoubtedly be an asset in the future, but you can't tell me this isn't an unwanted disruption to a side coming first. They look clunky." Mahoney was playing well at dummy half & Sexton controlling things beautifully at will undoubtedly be an asset in the future , but you can't tell me this isn't an unwanted disruption to a side coming first. They look clunky. — The Oracle (@BigOtrivia) June 26, 2025 Am I alone in thinking the Dogs look worse with Galvin? — Ron (@ronstradamus1) June 26, 2025 I don't understand who Galvin thought Cleary was passing too 😂 — yeamannnn (@AMaoulaoui) June 26, 2025 Those Galvin "shifts" lost Canterbury the game. I have no idea what Gus or Matthew Johns or others have seen, but Galvin runs out of time so quickly, he plugs in the field and puts others under pressure. Like Burton late when he lost the ball #NRLPanthersBulldogs — Curtis Woodward (@woodward_curtis) June 26, 2025 Dogs have to bite the bullet & do whatever their plan is with Galvin now - not sure changing half your spine mid game every week is sustainable, there was a noticeable disruption to their flow & shape when he came on. #NRLPanthersBulldogs — Nathan (@SeaEagleSpur) June 26, 2025
News.com.au
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Concern for Phil Gould as gruesome eye photo goes viral
Concerns have been raised for Phil Gould after the rugby league icon shared a gruesome photo of his 'new eye' following surgery on Tuesday. The Bulldogs football boss told followers on X he will be taking a brief break from the game after having a scheduled procedure on his left eye. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. Gould showed off the results of the operation with a confronting photo that has gone viral on X with more than 50,000 views. Social media users have shared their concerns and support for the 67-year-old, who showed off what he called a 'new eye'. Gould on Monday announced he was booked in for the operation. 'Undergoing eye surgery tomorrow,' he posted. 'Taking the rest of the week off. There will be a special replacement for the Six Tackles with Gus podcast on Wednesday. 'Hopefully I'm back on deck for 100% Footy next Monday Night. Enjoy the weekend round of football ahead everyone.' He posted on Tuesday with laughing emojis: 'And there it is … A new eye'. Gould still completed his regular duties on the panel for Nine's 100% Footy on Monday night. It has been a turbulent year for the rugby league guru, who was last month accused of telling fibs over his actions during the Bulldogs' messy raid to snatch Lachie Galvin away from the Wests Tigers. He also caused a stir with his criticism of Queensland coach Billy Slater over the Storm legend's decision to axe former captain Daly Cherry-Evans for State of Origin Game 2. In his personal life, Gould appears to be in rare health after recent weight losses. Gould has trimmed down in recent years and in 2022 lost more than 10kg after leaving his position as football boss at the Warriors in 2021. Depending on State allegiances, many will hope to see Gus standing in front of the goal posts for the State of Origin series decider on July 9.
