Setting the Record Straight: Bulldogs Captain Addresses Speculation of Player Divides Following Lachlan Galvin’s Signing

Canterbury captain Stephen Crichton has quashed rumours of a rift within the Bulldogs regarding Lachlan Galvin’s signing, as the former Wests Tigers player is set to don the five-eighth jersey against the Rabbitohs this Sunday.

Concerns about a potential division among Bulldogs players surfaced following footage of disappointed team members Reed Mahoney and Toby Sexton in the sheds after their victory over the Eels, prompting discussion about the implications of Galvin’s mid-season recruitment.

Mahoney was substituted with just over 20 minutes left, making room for Galvin, while Sexton had to shift positions. This led former Bulldogs premiership hero Braith Anasta to suggest that both players must have been “filthy” regarding the decision.

When Galvin arrived at Belmore last month, there were worries about how he would be received by his new teammates, particularly as several senior Bulldogs players share a close bond with Tigers halfback Jarome Luai.

Speaking from the NSW camp, Bulldogs captain Crichton expressed his disappointment regarding the negative perceptions surrounding Galvin’s exit from the Tigers, including the belief that he wouldn’t be welcomed at the club.

“You don’t really know someone until you meet them,” Crichton stated. “You can form an opinion, but until you actually talk to someone, you don’t know how they really are. That’s my take on Lachy since I hadn’t met him until he arrived here.”

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“When he joined us, the biggest thing was his positivity. He loves his footy, comes from a supportive family, and the bond he’s built with the boys has been vital. We’re thrilled to have him at the club.”

Nonetheless, Crichton acknowledged that the players sought clarification from Galvin regarding his contentious departure from Wests Tigers and met with him to hear his side of the story.

“We just wanted to understand the honest truth behind everything,” Crichton said. “It wasn’t merely about money; it was about learning and growing as both a person and a player. I believe he has landed at the right club for that. Since arriving, he’s taken in so much in just five days leading up to that match.”

“Seeing him get his chance over the weekend, I was genuinely happy to watch him thrive and to see him smiling. After such a stressful week, starting at a new club with all the surrounding chatter, he handled everything remarkably well.”

“I’ve noticed a number of positive traits in him immediately; he’s always among the first started, doing his video analysis, and the last one off the field, practising various kicking techniques. He’s blended in seamlessly with Burto (Matt Burton) and Toby (Sexton), just slotting right in. It’s early days, but promising signs are there.”

Crichton also noted that while Galvin has displayed his potential with ball in hand, he will need to prove himself defensively to earn the respect of his teammates.

“Everyone is aware of his capabilities in attack, but joining the Dogs means adopting a strong defensive mindset,” Crichton commented. “He has already shown a lot with the ball, but there’s still much he can learn defensively. That’s something we prioritise here—our defence takes precedence over our attack.”

Addressing the alleged discord stemming from Galvin’s arrival, Crichton mentioned that difficult decisions lie ahead.

Sexton is set to be off contract at the end of the season, and Mahoney has reportedly been told he can seek opportunities elsewhere.

“We’re focused on creating a strong culture at the Bulldogs,” Crichton explained to reporters. “One of our core values is a team-first attitude. No matter your standing in the team, it’s always about what the club and the team need first.”

“When that becomes your primary focus, it doesn’t matter who’s in the team; you want to ensure the club moves in the right direction. You must set aside personal thoughts and egos at the door.”

“Whatever team is selected for the weekend, that’s where our focus lies, and it’s always team first.”

Despite Crichton’s reassurances, former Bulldog Anasta suggests Galvin’s arrival may lead to more issues than it resolves.

“Reed Mahoney was visibly unhappy with being substituted; it was evident. Then in his post-match interview, Sexton mentioned he was unaware he’d be shifting to No.9, and it was the new kid who told him to go there,” Anasta remarked. “Honestly, I’d be furious.”

“While I love watching them win and enjoyed their performance yesterday, I believe they can improve with Galvin. However, let’s be honest: if I were Sexton, leading the way and winning the game, then a new player comes in and tells me to shift positions, I’d be furious.”

Interestingly, though, that wasn’t the prevailing sentiment at Bulldogs training on Wednesday. Players appeared upbeat while going through their drills.

Cameron Ciraldo faced little difficulty in placing Galvin at five-eighth, given Burton’s promotion to the Blues for Origin, but he will face tougher decisions when his representative players return in round 17.

This upcoming line-up should provide insight into who may be facing the axe in the long term.

In a chat with 9News, Bulldogs forward Jacob Preston dismissed claims suggesting Mahoney is unhappy with the current situation.

“Nah, Reed’s not unhappy at all. Not in the least,” he asserted. “He’s fine. Reed’s been a massive influence on me since I arrived at the club. He has always been one of the senior players here, and continues to be, so I relish the opportunity to take the field alongside him—we’re big fans of him.”

Jaeman Salmon was also queried about the speculated discontent at the club regarding Galvin’s recruitment.

“It’s just part of the game, mate. There’s competition every day in our careers; no one’s position is ever guaranteed,” he noted.

While the Belmore crew will deny any issues stemming from Galvin stepping into a role in a team that has been at the top of the competition for most of the season, former Bulldog and NSW forward Aaron Woods thinks otherwise.

“Bringing him in mid-season, he hasn’t done all the groundwork the other blokes have since November,” Woods commented. “To win a competition, players need to fit in.”

“I heard, after the game, Toby Sexton’s surprise about being moved to hooker. And Reed Mahoney’s evident discontent in the sheds wasn’t a good look. He was the first significant name to join the club. You can’t help but feel for him.”