The Bulldogs\u2019 statement win over the Sea Eagles has not only thrust them back into premiership contention, but it\u2019s convinced critics that it was the right call to make a key change in the halves.<\/p>\n
Veteran journalist Phil Rothfield was one of the many voices in the rugby league world that questioned and even criticised coach Cameron Ciraldo\u2019s decision to drop Toby Sexton for mid-season signing Lachlan Galvin.<\/p>\n
But after an impressive fortnight in the No.7 jersey, Rothfield admitted on NRL 360 that the controversial decision to bring Galvin in at the expense of Sexton was right. <\/p>\n
FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer ><\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThe big thing with Galvin is that he\u2019s not overplaying his hand. He hasn\u2019t come in there trying to be a hero, he\u2019s slotted in nicely and as Cameron Ciraldo has told us, he\u2019s shown at training that he was ready to come into the football side,\u201d Rothfield said. <\/p>\n \u201cCameron Ciraldo again has been proven right. Sexton\u2019s gone back to NSW Cup, he\u2019s going well, but Galvin has given this side \u2014 as Cameron suspected he would \u2014 another edge.\u201d<\/p>\n Galvin started at halfback for the Dogs for the first time in Round 20 and won them the game with a magic pass in the final three minutes to set up Jethro Rinakama for a try.<\/p>\n Broncos contenders or pretenders? | 05:15<\/p>\n He back that up with a busy performance against Manly that fellow News Corp journalist Brent Read believes helped unlock star five-eighth Matt Burton, who had one of his best games. <\/p>\n \u201cMatt Burton looked like he was freed up. He ran the ball a lot more. I think what they changed unleashed him, unshackled him,\u201d Read said on NRL 360.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re a different side when they\u2019ve got Galvin attacking one side and Burton creating havoc as well. They\u2019re a potent team.\u201d<\/p>\n Following the 42-4 win, Ciraldo revealed in his post-game press conference that he had made changes to the team\u2019s attack just two days earlier.<\/p>\n Captain Stephen Crichton added that the change had something to do with \u201cmaking it more simple for our spine\u201d and it seemed to work wonders for the halves.<\/p>\n NRL 360 pulled up Burton and Galvin\u2019s stats from the Bulldogs\u2019 Round 20 win over the Dragons and Round 21 win over Manly.<\/p>\n The pairing took seven more runs and had more than double the run metres against Manly, three linebreaks in Round 21 vs none in Round 20 and 14 tackle busts vs 1. <\/p>\n CRAWLS: Burton upstages $6m man after snub; \u2018ludicrous\u2019 call sums up Bunnies\u2019 woes<\/a><\/p>\n TALKING POINTS: The \u2018plan\u2019 for Broncos\u2019 Walsh problem; \u2018what if\u2019 in Eels rebuild<\/a><\/p>\n TEAM TIPS: Vision that has Broncos title hopes on edge; how Sea Eagles fill huge void<\/a><\/p>\n