Phil Gould, the Canterbury Bulldogs’ football boss, has responded to allegations that he misled fans regarding his intentions to recruit Lachlan Galvin. During a heated exchange with journalist Michael Chammas on the program 100% Footy, Gould defended his position after recent claims surfaced about the young player’s potential signing.
Galvin, a teenage playmaker, is set to join the Bulldogs this week following an early release from his contract with the Wests Tigers, provided a transfer fee is agreed upon. This development comes shortly after Gould previously stated that the club had no interest in pursuing Galvin’s signature. However, he later explained that circumstances had changed, thereby reigniting the Bulldogs’ interest.
In several appearances across Nine programs, Gould clarified that "the goal posts shifted last week", enabling Galvin’s immediate signing, which prompted Canterbury to consider him as a viable addition to their squad. He adamantly refuted claims that he had intentionally misled anyone, stating he had never met Galvin and had only expressed that the young talent was not in the Bulldogs’ plans because of his long-term contract.
Gould challenged Chammas’ accusations, asking how he had misled anyone regarding Galvin. He explained that while he had not stated a lack of interest, the situation evolved after Galvin’s manager indicated he could become available sooner than expected. Upon hearing this, Gould took the information to the coaching staff, who then met with Galvin, marking a shift in their approach.
He emphasised that the decision-making process didn’t rest solely with him but involved the coach’s input regarding Galvin’s potential fit within the team. Gould questioned Chammas about his implications, asserting that he had always communicated honestly about Galvin’s situation and urged him to review past statements for confirmation.
In a bid to clarify his stance, Gould referenced his tendency to compliment various players without extending contract offers, likening it to his praise for NRL icons like Cameron Smith. The segment concluded with Gould firmly asserting he hadn’t misled anyone and advised Chammas to be cautious with his phrasing, amid Chammas’s insistence that he was not questioning Gould’s credibility.
This lively exchange reflects the ongoing complexities of player negotiations in the NRL, underlining how swiftly the circumstances surrounding potential signings can change in professional football.