Bulldogs' Roster Shake-Up Sparks Controversy Amid Performance Decline

The National Rugby League (NRL) is witnessing a significant shake-up within the Canterbury Bulldogs as the team grapples with roster management controversies and performance issues. Following the announcement of Reed Mahoney's transfer to the North Queensland Cowboys and the mid-season signing of Lachlan Galvin from the Wests Tigers, questions surrounding the Bulldogs' strategy have intensified. As of July 7, 2025, the Bulldogs, who maintained a leading position in the NRL standings from Round 4 to Round 16, have dropped to third place after losing three of their last five matches.

Phil Rothfield, a journalist for The Daily Telegraph, criticized the Bulldogs' general manager of football, Phil Gould, for his questionable roster decisions over the past two decades. Rothfield pointed out that Gould has not secured a premiership since 2002, despite having a reputation for establishing successful teams. "There’s no doubt Gus can set up clubs to win a premiership but the jury is out whether he can actually deliver one or if he has to leave and then they can enjoy the success," Rothfield remarked on the Big Sports Breakfast.

The controversy is exacerbated by the abrupt changes in player positions and strategies. Rothfield highlighted the confusion surrounding the team’s strategy, noting the frequent repositioning of players such as Matt Burton and Bailey Hayward, as well as inconsistent game time for Mahoney. This inconsistency raises concerns about the team's overall coherence and effectiveness on the field.

Adding to the tumult, Lachlan Galvin's arrival has sparked debate among pundits regarding the timing of his signing. NRL legend Gorden Tallis expressed that it might have been more prudent for the Bulldogs to wait until the end of the season to secure Galvin, allowing him to fully integrate into the team during the off-season. Rothfield echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the pressure on Galvin to perform immediately is overwhelming given the team's recent struggles. "There is no player under the blowtorch as much as Lachlan Galvin is. Each and every week he runs onto the field, we’re looking to see where he is. That’s a lot of pressure on a young fella," Rothfield stated.

Despite Galvin's lucrative contract exceeding $2 million, Fox League's Greg Alexander argued that financial investment should not guarantee a place in the starting lineup. He noted that, based on current performance, he could not find a spot for Galvin among the Bulldogs' best 17 players. This situation raises further questions about the team's allocation of resources and the potential impact on player morale and performance.

As the Bulldogs navigate these roster changes and performance challenges, the future of the team remains uncertain. The upcoming matches will be crucial in determining whether Gould's strategies will yield positive results or if further adjustments are necessary to align with the team's objectives. The ongoing evaluation of player dynamics and management decisions will be key in shaping the Bulldogs' prospects for the remainder of the season and beyond.