LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Former Bulldogs player Michael Ennis has advised the club to consider keeping Lachie Galvin in reserve grade until next season.
His comments come amid mixed decisions by Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo, who recently shifted Matt Burton to the centres to allow Galvin to start at five-eighth.
This strategy backfired during a match against the Broncos, where the Bulldogs lost an 18-0 lead, ultimately ending in a 22-18 defeat.
The same pattern occurred during a previous game against the Panthers, where inserting Galvin resulted in an 8-6 loss.
As discussions arise about Galvin's role, both Cameron Smith and Andrew Johns have contributed their perspectives on how best to utilize the young player.
Galvin, only 19, is slated to become the starting halfback in 2026 when Toby Sexton transitions to the Catalans Dragons in France.
Currently, the strategy of having Galvin on the bench while transitioning Sexton to hooker mid-game has not proven effective.
Ennis reflected on the situation in commentary for Fox League, stating, "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." He emphasized the benefits of allowing Galvin to develop outside of the pressures of first-grade competition.
Ennis suggested an ideal scenario where "Galvin comes in the pre-season and they get a full pre-season to develop him." He highlighted the challenge Galvin faces by stepping into a strong squad already featuring Sexton and Burton as a successful halves pairing.
Meanwhile, Latu Fainu demonstrated that the Wests Tigers have a promising future despite Galvin's struggles at Bulldogs.
The scenario at the Bulldogs highlights the need for careful planning and development for young players to ensure their success while balancing team performance in high-stakes situations.
As the Bulldogs navigate these challenges, the insights of past players like Ennis, Smith, and Johns will likely play a crucial role in the club's strategy moving forward.