Lachlan Galvin’s signing at the Bulldogs could turn the current ladder leaders into the next powerhouse dynasty, but it could also break apart the foundation of the side which has been built on balance and teamwork. One thing for certain is that Lachlan Galvin’s signing will impact the spine and broader Bulldogs roster given the pressure it has put on the salary cap.

Firstly, Lachlan Galvin’s best position is five-eighth. That poses a problem for Matt Burton who has gotten back to his best football this season playing outside Toby Sexton. The Bulldogs have a few options, they could try to move Burton back to halfback as they first tried to do when they signed him from the Panthers, or they can try another experiment and transition him to fullback or out to centre. But all of these options feel like they are moving one of their best players out of their best position.

From what is being reported Toby Sexton is being told that he will not be resigned beyond the end of this season. That opens up a gap that the club needs fill with both first choice halves, Burton and Galvin, being more comfortable as a ball running playmaker as opposed to a game managing half like Sexton. The vacancy at halfback feels like a void that the Bulldogs are going to struggle to fill without playing someone out of their preferred position.

If they decide to move Burton to fullback then that opens up a can of worms for Connor Tracey who has been one of their most potent attacking weapons. Having battled significant injuries through the early part of his career, he is proving his value having now got his body fit and healthy. He could certainly do a job in the outside backs, but he has found a home at fullback and surely another NRL team will come knocking if he gets bumped out of his preferred position by Burton.

Part of the fallout from the Galvin signing is the squeeze on the salary cap which is likely going to force Reed Mahoney out of the club. The former club co-captain is being tapped on the shoulder in order to free up salary cap space moving forward. With Bailey Hayward emerging as a dummy half option with his impressive performances so far in 2025, there is a growing sense that the Bulldog’s spine is look completely different in 2026.

For a side that has been so dominant in 2025, there have to be lots of questions raised as to why the Bulldogs are trying to shuffle the pieces around to accomodate a single signing. The old adage, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it, comes to mind and Bulldog fans will have every right to be annoyed at the club if this disruptive signing derails their season.