Andrew Johns has commented positively on Canterbury hooker Reed Mahoney’s visibly frustrated reaction after the debut of Lachlan Galvin, viewing it as a testament to competitive spirit within the team. The recent mid-season acquisition of Galvin has stirred some tension, particularly as the Bulldogs currently rank highly in the NRL standings.
Galvin’s first appearance came off the bench, where he quickly made an impact by scoring a late try that secured victory over the Eels in front of nearly 60,000 fans. His sudden promotion to the field led to confusion for halfback Toby Sexton, who initially thought Galvin’s instruction to switch positions was made in jest. Video footage later revealed Mahoney’s displeasure at being sidelined to make way for the newcomer.
The dynamics surrounding Sexton and Mahoney’s future roles remain uncertain, particularly alongside promising rookie Bailey Hayward, who may also find himself on the bench. Johns believes healthy competition among the squad is crucial, expressing hope that training sessions are intense with players vying for positions in the spine.
Johns stated on Wide World of Sports, “You want Mahoney to be filthy… It shows he cares.” He sees the ensuing rivalry as beneficial for the team, driving players to push each other to deliver their best. According to Johns, Dogs coach Cameron Ciraldo will need to navigate this competition effectively.
Galvin is regarded as one of the game’s brightest young talents and could command a substantial contract in the future, although his current deal with the Bulldogs does not match a lucrative offer he received from the Tigers. This week, he is set to start at five-eighth in the absence of Matt Burton but is expected to transition to halfback alongside Burton thereafter, casting doubt on Sexton’s inclusion in future line-ups.
Despite the potential upset among certain players, Johns believes that Galvin’s contributions to the squad will outweigh any detriments. He acknowledged the changing landscape of professional rugby league: “People are going to talk about Reed Mahoney… it’s just the way the game is.”
As the Bulldogs move forward, Johns commended the team’s progress under Ciraldo’s leadership and their recruitment strategy, indicating that Canterbury is poised for continued success after previously enduring a seven-year finals drought. The club is on course to exceed last season’s achievements and are only trailing the Raiders in the ladder due to an extra couple of games played.
This Sunday, the Bulldogs will face off against South Sydney, with heightened expectations on their performance as they look to solidify their place among the elite teams in the league.