Cameron Ciraldo explains Lachie Galvin's eye-opening move into coach's box after axing

Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo has explained the benefits of Lachlan Galvin not playing last week in the win over the Cowboys, having brought him into the coaching box to view their game plan. Galvin's move to the Bulldogs has been heavily criticised with fans suggesting the signing of the young star has disrupted the side.

The Bulldogs were leading the NRL competition, but have stumbled in recent weeks with suggestions their combinations are off. Galvin's emergence has seen him used off the bench and brought in straight into the halves during the second-half.

Cameron Ciraldo has explained the benefits of Lachlan Galvin (pictured right) not playing last week in the Bulldogs' win over the Cowboys having brought him into the coaching box ahead of his surprise selection at halfback. (Images: Fox Sports/Getty Images)

Although this has prompted reshuffles with starting dummy-half Reed Mahoney coming off and halfback Toby Sexton going to No.9. And in recent weeks it has been confirmed Mahoney has signed with the Cowboys and Sexton will move to Catalans Dragons in France next year.

Canterbury general manager of football Phil Gould has praised Galvin in the past during his time at the Tigers and was played his part in bringing the playmaker over mid-season. Galvin could very well become and elite playmaker in the game and his signing could solidify the side's future at No.6 or No.7.

And while many thought he would slot right into the side, Ciraldo has held off and used him sporadically. Galvin started against the Broncos during the bye round, but after a lacklustre performance he was dropped from the 17 altogether last week.

The move was hailed by some suggesting Ciraldo didn't want to disrupt his side's rhythm with Galvin still integrating at the Bulldogs and the team sitting inside the top four. The Bulldogs managed to defeat the Cowboys, but their attack was clunky having won 12-8.

And Galvin's time on the sideline didn't last long with Ciraldo making the bold call to drop Sexton and play the 20-year-old at halfback this weekend against the Dragons. The move immediately raised eyebrows, but Ciraldo has moved to quell the frustration.

Lachlan Galvin (pictured) will start for the Bulldogs at halfback this weekend against the Dragons.

Speaking on Wednesday on SEN Radio, Ciraldo told Greg Alexander the side needs to add more creativity to their attack to unlock the best defensive teams in the competition. And he believes Galvin benefited from watching the game last week against the Cowboys from the coaching box, and will be able to help their stunted attack.

"The last little period we have been working hard on our attack...gearing towards the back-end of the season understanding what it will take to beat those top teams who have really good defensive systems and we just felt we weren't getting there," Ciraldo said on SEN. "And Galvin has been showing real good signs at training...with his natural talent with the ball, how he can unlock players around him.

"He has been working really hard and he came up in the coaching box last week and it was a real good opportunity for him to see what we are seeing. He deserves his opportunity. It was a tough decision as we love Toby...but right now, Lachlan deserves his opportunity."

Ciraldo emphasised the Bulldogs have been building a solid roster across the last few years and everyone has to work on holding their position in the side. And while Sexton will play NSW Cup this year, it doesn't mean he can't come back to the starting 13.

Sexton had led the Bulldogs to the top of the table during his run at No.7 and Ciraldo's latest call would be a hard one to take. And Bulldogs second-rower Jacob Preston said the side are getting behind the halfback.

"Obviously you check on Toby," second-rower Jacob Preston said. "He is a great person who has a team-first mentality. You always feel for your mates but it is rugby league and that's just what it is. He was down here today ripping in for the (NSW Cup) side and wants to get better."

Canterbury utility Jaeman Salmon also said there is plenty of time to build combinations with Galvin if he is the key going forward. "There is still a third of the season left," Salmon said. "That's plenty of time to build a combination headed into the finals. So as long as we all get around him, he'll be fine."

Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

This article originally appeared on Yahoo Sport Australia at https://au.news.yahoo.com/cameron-ciraldo-explains-lachie-galvins-eye-opening-move-into-coachs-box-after-axing-022227143.html

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