LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
NRL fans are expressing their discontent with Fox League's extensive promotion of Lachie Galvin ahead of his first game for the Bulldogs, especially following the decision by the NRL 360 panel to overlook Canberra's Josh Papalii, who was marking a significant career milestone.
Reports from au.news.yahoo.com highlight that Galvin made a memorable debut, coming off the bench to score a late try in his team's 30-12 victory over Parramatta at Accor Stadium.
The atmosphere was electric as Galvin's name was chanted by fans when he entered the game, receiving a standing ovation, and celebrating with teammates after securing the win with his try.
"It was (a relief).
For the fans to get behind me (after) being here a week only is pretty cool," Galvin commented post-match.
He emphasized that his goal is to play well and enjoy his time in the sport.
Galvin was a last-minute addition to Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo's squad, stepping in after initially being placed among the reserves.
His performance injected new energy into the Bulldogs' attack, as he moved into the halfback position, prompting Toby Sexton to switch to hooker.
Galvin's recent move from the Wests Tigers, coupled with the promotional strategy surrounding his debut, has been a hot topic, with many fans feeling that the extensive coverage could overshadow other significant players, particularly Papalii.
Despite concerns that the excitement around Galvin would fade, Fox League's promotional efforts included numerous airings of a feature narrated by Matty Johns, which showcased highlights from Galvin's brief career at the Tigers and his impact on the Bulldogs.
This promo ran several times leading up to and during the halftime of the game, reflecting the network's strong focus on the young player.
Overall, the backlash from fans centers not only on the NRL 360 panel's decision but also on what they perceive as an excessive marketing tactic for a newcomer at the expense of established players like Papalii.