Cameron Smith has pinpointed a change for the Bulldogs that is unlikely to pay off as the club grapples with the utilisation of Lachlan Galvin and Toby Sexton in tandem.
Galvin’s arrival has had a significant impact on the Bulldogs’ roster, leading to Reed Mahoney’s departure to the Cowboys next season, while Sexton heads off to the Super League.
When Galvin made his debut for the Bulldogs, he came off the bench, shifting Sexton to hooker while Mahoney took a seat. This transition resulted in Mahoney kicking a chair in frustration in the dressing room after the game.
Smith believes that this hooker rotation strategy doesn’t suit the premiership hopefuls.
Lachlan Galvin and Cameron Smith. Getty/Nine
“If they go down that route and Galvin has a place on the bench, I believe they need to pinpoint a specific role for him to fulfil,” he commented on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show.
“I really don’t think the system where Mahoney is substituted off and Sexton takes over at No. 9 is effective.”
Galvin started at five-eighth against the Broncos last Friday, with Matt Burton shifting to centre due to Stephen Crichton’s absence.
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While he wasn’t the worst player on the field, Galvin had a challenging game, with a wayward pass to Viliame Kikau resulting in a knock-on, allowing the Broncos to score in a rapid counter-attack.
With Sexton set to depart at the end of the season, both Smith and Andrew Johns suggest that Sexton might be the one to make way upon Crichton’s return.
“I believe they’ll keep Galvin in the squad, placing him at halfback,” Johns affirmed.
“It’s tricky to assess, as they were impressive in the first half, but the second half saw a massive drop in their performance. With Sexton moving on, I think they’ll opt for Galvin and Burton.”
Smith concurred: “I believe that’s likely too, but it raises a difficult decision regarding Toby Sexton.”
“Currently, they’re still in the top two, and he has served as their No.7 for the first half of the season, playing a pivotal role in their current standing. Introducing a player like Lachie Galvin mid-season is fantastic, but it’s a tough call to say to Toby: ‘Thanks for your efforts in the first half of the year, you’re out’.”
Lachlan Galvin and Toby Sexton. Getty
In contrast, Brad Fittler presented an alternative viewpoint.
The former Roosters five-eighth contends that Galvin’s presence off the bench has been a catalyst for the Bulldogs, although the 19-year-old still exhibits areas for improvement.
“On Friday, I noticed they repeatedly attacked the left-hand side, and he committed three errors, one of which led to a try,” he remarked.
“It seemed like he ran out of ideas, showcasing some immaturity and inexperience. He needs to recognise when to change his game plan. Instead of always looking to throw that outside pass, sometimes it’s better to hold back and make a simpler play to regain his composure.”
“I think he may have overexpanded his role a bit. I’d wager they will stick with Toby but consider utilizing Galvin earlier on.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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