In a twist few saw coming, Canterbury Bulldogs halfback Toby Sexton revealed he was caught completely off guard during Sunday’s win when 19-year-old recruit Lachlan Galvin told him to shift to hooker mid-game.
Galvin, making his highly anticipated debut, had been warming the bench for nearly an hour, unsure of how coach Cameron Ciraldo planned to use him. Expecting to slot in at lock or centre, Galvin was stunned when he was told to step into the halves—his preferred position—and push Sexton into dummy-half duties.
“He came on and said play hooker and I thought he was joking for a second,” Sexton told Fox League. “Then he goes, ‘Nah, you’re actually playing hooker,’ and I thought, ‘Righto, this will be good.’”
No Set Role, Just ‘Do What’s Needed’
Galvin admitted he still doesn’t know what his future position will be, but he’s ready to do whatever the team needs.
“I thought I was coming on at lock or centre… then Ciro told me go into the halves,” Galvin said. “Whatever the boys need, I’ll do it. If we keep winning like that, I’ll do anything.”
Ciraldo later confirmed Galvin wasn’t even in the original team sheet earlier in the week, with the teen expected to play NSW Cup.
“Every training session he did, he got better… by the end of the week, it was clear we needed him in the team,” Ciraldo said. “He’s predominantly a half. That’s his natural spot.”
Sexton’s Future Still in Limbo
Sexton, still without a contract for 2026, admitted the uncertainty has weighed on him—especially with Galvin’s arrival.
“It has its moments,” he said. “But I love coming to training, and I just try to control what I can. Hopefully, that [contract] gets sorted soon.”
Despite the pressure, Sexton praised Galvin’s attitude and said the newcomer has fit in well.
“At the end of the day, he’s a great kid. He just wants to learn and get better.”
Galvin Finds Joy in Bulldogs Debut
Having moved on from a messy exit at the Wests Tigers, Galvin was all smiles post-match.
“I just want to play footy. That’s all in the past now,” he said. “The fans got behind me. It was really cool. This club is building something special, and I love being part of it.”
Teammates and Coach Back the Teen Talent
Half partner Matt Burton was impressed with how the rookie handled the chaotic debut.
“He added a lot of energy… and he jagged a try,” Burton said. “We didn’t really train much with him during the week so credit to him.”
Captain Stephen Crichton echoed the sentiment:
“Tonight was just a little snippet of how good he can be. He’s going to be a massive asset for us.”
POLL
Do you think Lachlan Galvin should stay in the halves permanently for the Bulldogs?
▢ YES – He’s a natural half and showed his quality already
▢ NO – He should be used as a utility for now
Have your say in the comments below!
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