Cameron Ciraldo Has A Huge Call To Make – And Quickly

Cameron Ciraldo risks derailing the Bulldogs’ season if he can’t make the tough decision – who is his best halves pairing?

It’s astonishing to me that NRL coaches don’t learn from the mistakes of other coaches. You don’t have to look any further than the struggles the Knights have had over the last few years, not being able to settle on their best halves pairing. More recently, Todd Payten dropped Jake Clifford despite having a winning record with him at halfback. What’s doing, Ciro?

Reed Mahoney was one of the Dogs’ best players last night, and when the game was in the balance, Ciraldo benched him and moved Toby Sexton to hooker. That move changed the game. Penrith got on top as soon as it happened.

You might get away with that against lower-ranked sides, but it’s clear as day that in tight games, especially finals, it can’t happen.

I think Galvin is a gun, but the Bulldogs’ style is built on defence and ruthless line speed. It was clear to see last night that his defence isn’t up to the standard the Bulldogs have built their recent success on. The lack of effort when Nathan Cleary strolled through his inside shoulder untouched wouldn’t have impressed Ciraldo or Galvin’s teammates.

Great tackle from Galvin pic.twitter.com/rc4weM8Xz1

— Will (@will_tosh03) June 26, 2025

Whether it’s keeping Galvin on the bench specifically for injury cover or as an X-factor through the middle, or going all-in and starting him in the halves, a decision has to be made after the next round. I say that because Galvin is likely to start next week, regardless, with Matt Burton odds-on to miss the Origin-affected clash as 18th man for NSW.

It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out. Let me know what you would do regarding Lachlan Galvin.