The Bulldogs’ recruitment of teenage sensation Lachlan Galvin has sparked a seismic shift in the club’s long-term spine plans—one that could spell the end for some big names currently calling Belmore home.
The 19-year-old playmaker was electric off the bench in the Bulldogs’ 30-12 win over Parramatta on Monday, capping his debut with a match-sealing try. Galvin is signed through 2028, and his arrival is already triggering ripple effects through the club’s key playmaking roles.
Who’s Making Way?
With Galvin looking like the long-term halfback, attention has turned to Toby Sexton, who is off contract at the end of 2025. Sexton was surprisingly shifted to hooker late in the match to accommodate Galvin in the No.7 jersey. According to Brent Read on NRL 360, Sexton may be the odd man out.
“So I think it comes down to either Reed Mahoney or Toby Sexton, and I’d imagine in that situation probably Toby’s the one who misses out long-term,” Read said.
But that’s not the end of the story.
Reed Mahoney Under Pressure
On Tuesday’s NRL 360, Braith Anasta and Dean Ritchie suggested that Mahoney could also be headed for the exit door.
“There was always going to be fall guys… and unfortunately it’s looking like it’s going to be Reed Mahoney and a positional switch for Sexton,” Anasta said.
Ritchie added that rumblings out of Belmore hint Mahoney may soon be moved on:
“There’s certainly a lot of rumours… whether it’s to do with his discipline in previous years. There is a suggestion that he may be moved on either next year or later this year.”
After Galvin came onto the field, Mahoney was subbed off—and was reportedly frustrated in the dressing room. Even more telling, Sexton admitted post-match that he didn’t know he would be playing at dummy half.
“Clearly, if [Mahoney]’s been hooked, things aren’t going great,” Ritchie said.
What’s Next for Sexton and Mahoney?
With Galvin locked in and coach Cameron Ciraldo preparing to rebuild around youth, both Mahoney (signed until 2026) and Sexton (off contract in 2025) are facing uncertain futures.
Some potential landing spots?
- The Tigers could consider a Galvin-for-Sexton switch, freeing up Jarome Luai to return to five-eighth.
- The Dragons, desperate for stability in the halves, might also be eyeing Sexton.
POLL:
Who Should the Bulldogs Build Their Spine Around?
Vote below and have your say:
- Lachlan Galvin (Halfback)
- Reed Mahoney (Hooker)
- Toby Sexton (Utility)
- Let Ciraldo rebuild from scratch
Cast your vote and comment below with who you think should stay—and who should go.
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