NRL round 10 tips: Joey predicts bombshell team change for Bulldogs as Lachlan Galvin conundrum bites
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Immortal Andrew Johns has read the tea leaves and predicted a significant team change for the Bulldogs as they attempt to get their season back on track in Thursday night's clash with the Dolphins.
Canterbury's attack has badly misfired in recent weeks, with Cameron Ciraldo's men sinking to 12th on the ladder a month after pulling off the upset of the season when they ambushed Penrith in round six.
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Johns has been among the many pundits to call for the Bulldogs to move Lachlan Galvin out of the No.7 jersey, claiming the 20-year-old has the potential to be a top class five-eighth but is not a natural halfback.
Speaking on Wide World of Sports' Freddy and The Eighth's Tips, Johns revealed his suspicion that Sean O'Sullivan's presence on the bench could point to a shake-up prior to kick-off.
"Interesting one for the Bulldogs, they've put Sean O'Sullivan on the bench, so maybe he might start at halfback and partner Lachlan Galvin," Johns said.
"Then they may move (Matt) Burton somewhere, I don't know, but I've got a feeling O'Sullivan may start."
To accommodate O'Sullivan at halfback and Galvin at five-eighth, Ciraldo would likely have to either shift Burton to the centres or to the bench. If Burton was moved one spot wider to the centres, it would likely force Bronson Xerri onto the bench.
However, on Thursday afternoon it emerged that Burton was battling illness and was in "extreme doubt" to play, according to 9News reporter Danny Weidler.
Weidler posted the news to X, reporting the Bulldogs would leave a decision on Burton's fitness "as late as possible".
His absence would likely force a switch Johns was adamant the Bulldogs needed, with both Burton and Galvin considered to be "out and out" five-eighths.
The Bulldogs have struggled to get the best out of Matt Burton and Jacob Preston. Getty
"I think Matt Burton is an out-and-out five-eighth. He's a running five-eighth. If you're going to have a big running five-eighth, you need an on-ball halfback who does everything," Johns said on Nine's The Sunday Footy Show, following the Dogs' 32-12 loss to an undermanned Broncos.
"We know Lachie Galvin is there, he's building his game. I see him more as a long-term five-eighth. He wants the ball, but he's still gotta understand his game.
"He's got that thing on the right side where he's going to Jacob Preston, which I think he's going too much to Preston.
"But he's still learning his game, and I think he's an out-and-out five-eighth moving forward."
Even if the Bulldogs do make the move in a bid to reignite their attack, Johns doubts they will be able to match the Dolphins' tryscoring ability.
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Jamayne Isaako dives over for a spectacular try against the Storm. Getty
Kristian Woolf's team has shown glimpses of attacking dynamite in 2026 but have mixed in some poor performances and have struggled to put together their best form in back-to-back games.
The Dolphins sit just one position above the Bulldogs on the ladder in 11th but many experts believe they will find a groove and contend for a finals position.
In Johns' assessment, the Dolphins have the best backline in the competition.
"Fast track up there at Suncorp, to win this game you've got to score plenty of points," Johns said.
"Dolphins for mine have the best backline in the competition and their forward pack looks really strong."
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