“‘I Wish That Were True’: Gus Reacts Strongly to Claims He ‘Misled’ the Public About Lachlan Galvin’s Recruitment”

The Canterbury Bulldogs’ head honcho, Phil Gould, has responded strongly to claims that he misled the public regarding his plans to sign Lachlan Galvin.

During a heated discussion with Nine and the Sydney Morning Herald’s journalist Michael Chammas on the 100% Footy panel on Monday night, Gould defended his position.

Expected to join the Bulldogs as early as this week, teenage playmaker Galvin has received an early release from his contract with the Wests Tigers, contingent on a transfer fee being agreed upon.

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This development comes just weeks after Gould stated that his club had no plans to pursue Galvin’s signature.

Gould elaborated on multiple Nine shows over the weekend, explaining that “the goalposts shifted last week,” creating an opportunity for Galvin to be signed immediately, which piqued Canterbury’s interest.

On 100% Footy, Gould stated, “I’ve never met Lachlan Galvin” and asserted he had not intentionally misled anyone regarding the situation.

“How did I mislead you on Lachlan Galvin?” Gould questioned Chammas after being pressed about his previous statements.

“I never suggested I wasn’t interested. What I indicated was that our plans had changed; he wasn’t part of our strategy since he was under contract until 2027.”

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“You’re hypothesising about it because it has occurred. You want that to be the reality. You want that narrative to be true; I never envisioned it unfolding in that manner at all, not in the slightest.

“Go back and review everything I’ve said about Lachlan Galvin and what transpired. Everything I stated was 100 per cent factual at that moment.

“The goalposts shifted when his manager mentioned he could be available now, which I communicated to the coaches, who then pursued the matter with him— not me. I didn’t meet with him until Thursday, after the coach returned and indicated this could be an option.

“It was the coach’s decision, not mine.

“How have I publicly courted Lachlan Galvin? I’ve praised many players, including (Melbourne legend) Cameron Smith. Did I ever offer him a contract? Absolutely not.”

Gould concluded the segment with a retort to Chammas: “I didn’t mislead anyone… Watch your words, mate.”

Chammas maintained, “I’m not questioning your credibility.”