07/09/2026
ONLY MAN SAFE IN BULLDOGS SPINE - AS HALFBACK ANSWER EMERGES šš„
12. BULLDOGS
RECORD: 11-13
GRADE: D
WHAT WENT RIGHT: No man has endured more pressure, spotlight and intense scrutiny at Canterbury this year than halfback Lachlan Galvin. But to his credit, the 21-year-old remained a bright spot on the Dogs up-again, down-again 2026 campaign. Galvin not only survived another year of unwanted publicity, the rising half arguably emerged as the Bulldogsā most consistent player ā heaping praise from the likes of Nathan Cleary along the way for his effort and development as a half. Galvinās combination with edge back rower Jacob Preston offers plenty of promise for the seasonās ahead, and with Stephen Crichton helping streamline his communication at halfback, there is no reason why Galvin wonāt continue to flourish as he adapts to top-tier NRL ā be that at halfback or at five-eighth, where most pundits believe is his natural position as a running playmaker. Otherwise, the Bulldogsā middle continues to improve through 2026, with their signature line speed and tight defensive structures offering plenty to build on next year. It was a breakout season for Sitili Tupouniua despite injury, Jacob Preston (recently extended), Viliame Kikau and Leo Thompson ā who each brought muscle to the Dogsā middle. Matt Burtonās shift to centres also warmed as the season went on ā though the absence of his signature spiral kicks in attack feels like a wasted opportunity.
WHAT WENT WRONG: Despite Galvinās best efforts every time he pulled on the famous Canterbury jersey, the reality is that the spine around him needs work ā and pronto. Fullback Connor Tracey ā a skilful player that gives his all in every contest ā simply lacks the versatility required from the modern custodian, while the ever-improving ho**er Bailey Hayward isnāt a patch on what Reid Mahoney provided the Dogs in 2025. While the Stephen Crichton experiment did help streamline the Dogsā communication in attack, he is regarded as one of the worldās best centres for a reason ā and needs to be moved back on the edge to bolster the Dogs attacking and defensive structures. Crichtonās kicking game also missed the mark at times for a five-eighth. Combined, the Dogsā so-so spine meant the side never truly clicked in attack ā especially on fifth-tackle options, when the chips were down and the side needed points.
WHAT THEY NEED: Put simply, the Dogs need a dedicated halfback that they can build the team around. That could come in two forms: bring in an established half who can help orchestrate new attacking systems and bring the most out of Lachlan Galvin, or instil trust and patience in one of the clubās burgeoning playmakers (Mitchell Woods is the clubās most likely future breakout star), and give him sufficient time to build in first grade, learn the systems and complement Galvin. Some will argue that Canterbury also need to search for a new fullback and ho**er to bolster their systems, but a specialist half is an excellent starting point. Given the dearth of halfbacks on the open market, developing one of their own seems a more viable option.
ROSTER STATE OF PLAY
Players off contract end of 2027: Matt Burton, Gordon Chan K*m Tong, Alekolasimi Jones, Max King, Sean OāSullivan, Jethro Rinakama, Jaeman Salmon, Logan Spinks, Mitchell Woods
Analysis: The club has extended Jacob Preston so now attention quickly turns to Matt Burton. The club has indicated to Burton that his next contract offer will resemble that of a centre and not a five-eighth so that means a pay cut. Burton will no doubt be offered more from other clubs like Parramatta who are rumoured to be pencilling him in to be Jarome Luaiās replacement at six. Coach Cameron Ciraldo spoke of Jethro Rinakama being a 10-year Bulldog earlier in the year. Max King emerged as a State of Origin player under Ciraldo and the Dogs need to lock down their props, however he has been linked heavily to the Chiefs. Mitchell Woods has had a dreaded run with injury but if he can overcome them heās seen as the long-term halfback to partner Lachlan Galvin in the halves.
Key target: They need a ball-playing lock. Thereās not many out there, however. Souths youngster Tallis Duncan has already proven he can play at a high standard in the forwards or backs. But he will cost a fair bit given he is a man in demand and South Sydney is very keen to keep him. Otherwise, if Woods canāt stay healthy the Bulldogs will definitely be in the market for a halfback. Stephen Crichton isnāt the long-term answer in the halves and most experts seem to think Galvin is better suited as a five-eighth. The Bulldogs went after Ronald Volkman but failed to land his signature. There are a lot of big names on the market from the end of 2027, including Nathan Cleary and Sam Walker, but that seems unlikely. Zane Harrison is a very interesting option, but the Titans would be foolish not to lock him down on a long-term deal. Otherwise, Sean OāSullivan ā who by all reports the Bulldogs arenāt keeping ā and Jock Madden fit the bill as inexpensive, organising halfbacks that could help free Galvin up.
