No Galvin, no worries: Why the high-flying Bulldogs don't need disgruntled Tigers star

When the news of Lachlan Galvin leaving the Wests Tigers at the end of next year first broke, one of the first clubs linked with the teenage star were the Bulldogs.

After all, the club's boss Phil Gould has spoken glowingly about the 19-year-old since before he even made his NRL debut and has dubbed him as a future premiership winner.

Canterbury is a club on the rise with Gould at the helm and Cameron Ciraldo starting to cement himself as an elite head coach over the past 12 months.

READ MORE: Intriguing Hunt theory floated after Broncos 'lost their attack'

READ MORE: Concern for Clarkson after surprise 'spanking' admission

READ MORE: Aussie favourite's golden reaction to record-breaking swim

But, much to the surprise of many within the game, Gould shut down suggestions that Galvin would be donning a blue and white jumper, whether it be in 2026 or 2027.

Speaking to media on Tuesday, Ciraldo admitted the Dogs had "conversations" given the undeniable talent that Galvin possesses, but explained why they won't pursue him.

"At the moment, we've got our plan and we're sticking to that," the coach said.

"It's been working really well for us - the guys in those positions at the moment are doing a great job, we've got a pathway system that we've put a lot of time and effort into and we'll stick to what we're doing and let everyone else worry about the other stuff.

"When good players come on the market, you've got to have conversations and look at what's best for the club - but we can't talk to him for another seven months anyway.

"We're a development club and we have been on that path for a number of years now. We won't be bringing too many new people from the outside in.

"Gus shut down all the speculation, so we will get on with what we're doing."

Watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.

Ciraldo and Gould have both reiterated the stance of developing playmakers from within.

But what does the future of the No.6 and No.7 jumpers at the Bulldogs look like?

Right now, it's clear that Matt Burton and Toby Sexton are the key men - as they should be, after leading them to the finals last year and an undefeated 6-0 start this year.

Sexton in particular has improved leaps and bounds, standing up to the plate while his halves partner was sidelined for a month recently with a knee injury.

But for all of his improvements, Sexton is still unsigned by Canterbury for 2026 and his coach didn't give the most definitive response when asked about a fresh contract.

"Not that I'm aware of," Ciraldo said.

"Toby is doing a good job and the big parts of his game he's done really well. There's some areas in his game that we want to see him improve as well and he's aware of that.

"While he's doing that and improving every week, those other things will come."

During the brief period where Burton was unavailable, Bailey Hayward stepped into the five-eighth position and obviously impressed, earning a one-year contract extension.

"He's another option in the halves if we ever have those scenarios," Ciraldo said.

As it stands, Hayward is signed until the end of 2026, Burton until 2027 and the aforementioned Sexton off-contract, which could feasibly change at any moment.

Beneath them, there's a hell of a lot of depth in the playmaking stocks at Canterbury.

Joseph O'Neill has cemented himself as the halfback in the NSW Cup side but is only signed to a development contract for this season.

The 22-year-old local junior has come through the pathway system and captained the Jersey Flegg premiership-winning side in 2023, but has yet to make his NRL debut and doesn't have a contract for next season at time of writing.

Cassius Tia, who came through age-group football as a halfback, has been playing in the centres in reserve grade, with experienced campaigner Drew Hutchison in the halves.

Originally from Auckland, the youngster moved across and joined the Bulldogs, helping lead the side to a second-straight Jersey Flegg title last year.

However, right now Tia isn't contracted on a top 30 or development deal with the Dogs.

So with the futures of Sexton, Tia and O'Neill all unclear, all signs would point towards one of the best young talents in the country being the long-term foil for Burton.

Mitchell Woods, the teen sensation who had both AFL and rugby union vying for his signature, is already on a top 30 contract and will be with the Dogs until 2027.

Gould has an extremely high opinion of the classy young pivot, who starred in the U19s State of Origin fixture and won the SG Ball Player of the Year last season.

The 18-year-old recently returned from a hamstring injury in the SG Ball competition and will now jump into Jersey Flegg. A debut at reserve grade level is inevitable.

Burton and Woods being the only two playmakers signed long-term with Canterbury would indicate that's where the future lies after brushing a move for Galvin.

But even if that doesn't pan out, Ciraldo and Gould quite clearly have plenty of options and with a strong crop of outside backs and an ever-improving forward pack, Bulldogs fans have every reason to be excited for what the future holds.