NRL Early Mail round 20: Lachlan Galvin wins recall at Bulldogs

Lachlan Galvin has been recalled to Canterbury’s starting line-up while a number of key players are in doubt for round 20. See the updated early mail inside.

Canterbury are set to make a dramatic shift in the halves with Lachie Galvin expected to partner Matt Burton.

It is understood that Toby Sexton will make way for Galvin. Galvin missed selection last week in Canterbury’s win against North Queensland.

Galvin received support from Bulldogs utility Jaeman Salmon after the news broke.

“It’s up to the boys getting around him and giving him the confidence to do what he does best, and that’s just play footy,” Salmon said.

“The game will come if he plays his normal game, and we just have to give him the confidence to do that.

Lachlan Galvin will start in the halves for Canterbury.

“We’ve still got a third of the season left and I think that’s enough time to build a combination leading into the finals.

“As long as we all get around him, I’m sure he’ll be fine.”

Salmon said coach Cameron Ciraldo made the announcement at a “stock standard” team meeting on Tuesday morning and that the obsession around Canterbury’s spine wasn’t a factor internally.

“I think that’s what the media portrayed. You guys have been waiting for it, but in here, we haven’t been waiting for anything,” he said.

“Whoever the best player to do that job is going to play that position, and that’s with all our positions.

“No one is ever safe. Whatever pick has been made is what’s best for the team.”

HAMMER BACK FOR DOLPHINS

By: Travis Meyn

Coach Kristian Woolf has gone to the well at Redcliffe to field a team for Thursday night’s clash with the Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium amid what could be considered the NRL’s worst injury crisis.

Top line players Daniel Saifiti, Felise Kaufusi, Jack Bostock, Kodi Nikorima, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Mark Nicholls, Max Plath, Tom Flegler and Tom Gilbert are among those unavailable for selection.

Finefeuiaki (broken thumb) and Nicholls (concussion) were the latest casualties after last week’s tight loss to Cronulla.

After a 0-4 start to the season, the Dolphins have fought their way back to 10th spot on the ladder with an 8-9 record.

The Dolphins will be boosted by the return of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow. Picture: Getty Images

But their growing injury list threatens to kill their hopes of a maiden finals appearance in the expansion club’s third NRL season.

Despite the excuses, centre Herbie Farnworth said the Dolphins believed their bits-and-pieces team could get the job done.

“There’s not any feeling of that (injuries costing us) in our camp,” he said.

“We’ve got a lot of trust in the boys coming in, they’ve had a great pre-season and are playing well in the Q-Cup.

“We trust them to come in and do a job for us.

“It gives us a chance to get through some younger boys and give them a chance of first grade.

“That’s part of footy. Players go down. It’s next man up.

The Dolphins smashed the Cowboys 58-4 in Townsville in round 15 and will be boosted by the return of Queensland Origin star Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow at fullback after he was rested against Cronulla.

TAGO CHARGED OVER HIP DROP

Penrith’s barnstorming finals change has suffered a hiccup after centre Izack Tago was charged over an ugly tackle at the weekend that left Parramatta player Kitione Kautoga nursing an ankle injury.

Tago was charged with grade one dangerous contact for what appeared to be a hip drop tackle on Kautoga and will receive a one-match man with an early guilty plea.

He can fight the charge but should he lose, he would be sidelined for two games. Tago has been one of the stars of the Panthers’ five-game winning streak that has moved them back into the top eight and given them a shot at making a late charge at the top four.

Kautoga is facing several weeks on the sideline as a result of Tago tackle.

“It got him,” Parramatta coach Jason Ryles said after the game.

Izack Tago has been charged over this tackle.

“He’ll probably miss a couple of weeks now. He’s in a moon-boot so we’ll just manage it as like we have with the other syndesmosis injuries we’ve had this year.”

Warriors forward Lela Halasima and Tyson Smoothy were charged with careless high tackle and crusher offences but will be free to play if they pay a fine. - Brent Read

RABBITOHS LURCH FROM CRISIS TO CATASTROPHE

South Sydney have suffered another devastating injury setback after it emerged that prop Davvy Moale would miss the remainder of the season with a wrist injury.

This masthead understands that Moale underwent surgery this week on his wrist, having suffered the injury against Manly several weeks ago.

Moale’s injury is the latest blow to the Rabbitohs in the wake of revelations that five-eighth Cody Walker was expected to be sidelined for the rest of the season with a calf injury.

It is understood Campbell Graham is also dealing with a back problem and may not play against Penrith this weekend.

Davvy Moale is finished for the season.

The Rabbitohs’ injury toll reached crisis levels weeks ago. It has only got worse since as the club reels from a series of setbacks that have decimated their squad this season.

Englishman Lewis Dodd is now in line to be selected in the top 17 this week as the Rabbitohs prepare to take on a Panthers side that has been flying in recent weeks.

Penrith, after a slow start to the season, are back in the top eight and pushing for a spot in the top four as they get their premiership defence back on track.

The Rabbitohs’ premiership hopes, meanwhile, have been shattered by injury. Moale has been a mainstay of the side this season, appearing in 16 games and scoring two tries, however, the Rabbitohs will be forced to finish the season without him.

RETURNING ROOSTER AVOIDS SUSPENSION

Sydney Roosters halfback Sam Walker has avoided being charged by the NRL match review committee for a cannonball tackle to set-up a blockbusting individual battle against Cronulla’s Nicho Hynes on Friday night.

Walker was penalised and sin-binned for the incident on Dragons prop David Klemmer during Saturday’s night match at Kogarah.

Cleared of foul play by the NRL’s match review committee on Sunday morning, Walker, who was third man into the tackle on Klemmer, is free to play in the big game against Cronulla at Sharks Stadium.

Sam Walker has avoided suspension. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Roosters coach Trent Robinson questioned post-game why Walker was even sin-binned.

The Roosters lost Siua Wong for six weeks with an MCL injury after a cannonball tackle by the Cowboys’ Karl Lawton who was later suspended for two matches but wasn’t penalised on the night in the Round 16 clash.

“It was like the old school-yard, kneel-down behind them and push them over, type thing. It’s something we don’t want to see, but there’s no force in that,” Robinson said.

“We’ve had guys out for six weeks with MCLs with no penalties, and all of a sudden we get a sin bin for that. I was surprised.”

It was Walker’s return match to the NRL after missing nearly a year through an ACL.

Walker later told the media it would be “ridiculous” if the tackle on Klemmer warranted a suspension.

“It didn’t feel bad at all, I’ve made that tackle a million times and it’s never been a penalty,” Walker said.

Sam Walker was sent to the sin bin for this tackle on David Klemmer. Pic: Fox League

“This time, obviously the fact that I hit him on his booty, and obviously he went down, the people coming over the top of me didn’t make it look pretty, but I’m not going in with intent to try and chop out his knees or anything like that.

“I personally think it’s a bit ridiculous but I understand the safety of the player. But there’s not a world where I’m trying to hurt David Klemmer in a tackle like that.”

Other players charged were Tyrell Sloan (Dragons), Mark Nawaqanitawase (Roosters), Phoenix Crossland (Newcastle), Sione Finau (Dragons) and Jacob Kiraz (Bulldogs).

All were hit with low grade charges – primarily dangerous contact and a shoulder charge – with all players facing a fine rather than a suspension.

Crossland can cop a two-game suspension if he fights and loses the charge, ensuring he will plead guilty and pay a $3000 fine while Finau was charged with tripping. - Dean Ritchie

DOLPHINS v COWBOYS

Thursday, 7:50pm, Suncorp Stadium

Dolphins:

Having rested post Origin, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will return at fullback for the ‘Phins. Jake Averillo will shift back to the wing with debutant Tevita Naufahu to drop back to Queensland Cup.

Prop Mark Nicholls will be unavailable for selection having failed a HIA last round.

The rest of the side will be named 1-13 with Sean O’Sullivan to continue at five-eighth until the expected return of Kodi Nikorima in Round 24.

Cowboys:

The Cowboys lost Jake Clifford pre-game last week with the half suffering a quad injury.

The exact time frame of his absence is to be confirmed by the club with Jaxon Purdue to play five-eighth until he returns. Braidon Burns will cover for Purdue in the centres.

Murray Taulagi made a successful return from a calf issue last week and will again start on the wing outside Burns.

John Bateman is aiming for Round 21 to return from a groin injury. Reuben Cotter has shifted from lock to the edge to cover for him until his return.

Jordan McLean is likely unavailable as he continues to manage leg injuries and has announced this season will be his last in the NRL.

Mawene Hiroti could return for the Sharks in a boost for their backline. Picture: Getty

SHARKS v ROOSTERS

Friday, 6:00pm, Sharks Stadium

Sharks:

Mawene Hiroti is nearing a timely return for the Sharks, and if fit could come straight in at centre.

The Sharks have sorely missed the punch in the forwards that Sifa Talakai is able to provide and would love the opportunity to return him to his forward role if Hiroti is available.

The rest of the side will be named 1-13.

Roosters:

Sam Walker made a winning return to first grade. Despite spending 10 minutes in the bin for a cannonball tackle on David Klemmer, he’s avoided a charge from the Match Review Committee and will be available again this week.

The man he replaced, Sandon Smith, could also earn a recall with Hugo Savala reportedly suffering a hand injury in Round 19 that could sideline him for a fortnight.

Elsewhere, things are largely settled with Victor Radley also returning at lock and scoring a try in Round 19. Promising forward Salesi Foketi will hold down the right edge until the expected return of Suia Wong in Round 23.

PANTHERS v RABBITOHS

Friday, 8:00pm, CommBank Stadium

Panthers:

Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards and Brian To’o will all return as starters for the Panthers this weekend.

The news isn’t as good for Liam Martin who will likely miss this game due to a hand injury picked in Origin 3 - while Izack Tago is facing a one-week suspension for a hip-drop tackle, which could allow Paul Alamoti to retain his spot in the team.

Scott Sorensen is available for selection again having served a suspension and could take his place in the starting side.

Daine Laurie and Brad Schneider will likely move out of the starting line-up to make way for the Origin stars, with Schneider a chance to win jersey 14.

Rabbitohs:

The Rabbitohs will welcome back Latrell Mitchell from Origin. They could also get Cody Walker back from a hamstring injury.

Alex Johnston will shift back to the left wing having deputised for Latrell in Souths’ last match, while Jack Wighton will move from five-eighth to centre should Cody be fit. Isaiah Tass will remain on standby to play at centre if Cody isn’t fit.

There’s mystery surrounding the absence of Euan Aitken with the second-rower a late out in Round 18 but no detail provided by the club. Jai Arrow could shift from prop to the edge should Aitken’s absence be long term.

Brandon Smith made his club debut in the Rabbitohs’ last fixture but is now likely sidelined again due to a knee injury picked up. Peter Mamouzelos could return to first grade in Smith’s absence.

Cody Walker has had an up-and-down year with injury. Picture Getty

RAIDERS v EELS

Saturday, 3:00pm, GIO Stadium Stadium

Raiders:

Hudson Young will return for the Raiders having sat out in Round 18 to help manage his ongoing osteitis pubis injury.

Simi Sasagi will be named on the bench and may spell the Origin rep as the Raiders prepare for what should hopefully be a deep finals run.

Josh Papali’i will also return having missed the Raiders’ last match due to Origin commitments. Morgan Smithies will shift to the bench and Trey Mooney out of the 17 to allow for Papa’s return.

The rest of the side will be named 1-13.

Eels:

All eyes will also be on the spine to see how the Eels intend to use Dylan Brown moving forward.

With only six games left at the club, Brown was shifted to start at hooker in Round 19 with the club preferring Joash Papali’i at five-eighth - Brown played just 35 minutes.

Ryley Smith, who has started most of the year at hooker, is available for selection again having served a two-match ban.

His return could allow for Brown to return to the six jersey again but coach Jason Ryles’ post-match comments implied he will continue with Papali’i with a view towards the future.

Rising star Kitione Kautoga may be set for a spell on the sidelines having failed to finish their Round 19 clash after a hip drop tackle from Izack Tago.

Kautoga appeared to injure his ankle in the tackle with the Eels to provide an update on his prognosis following scans this week.

Halfback Mitch Moses has identified Round 21 as his likely return date from injury.

Bailey Simonsson made a successful return from injury at right centre last week. He’s expected to be named to start with regular centre Will Penisini still suspended for another week.

Mitchell Moses is aiming for an early return in Round 21. Picture: Getty

BULLDOGS v DRAGONS

Saturday, 5:30pm, Accor Stadium

Bulldogs:

New recruit Lachlan Galvin was dropped in Round 19 with the club instead opting to add a forward to their bench rotation.

The path forward for him for 2025 remains unclear and he could instead be named in reserve grade.

Stephen Crichton and Kurt Mann will both return having missed last week after Origin. Crichton’s return likely comes at the expense of debutant Jethro Rinakama, with Enari Tuala able to cover the wing.

Marcelo Montoya is out until at least Round 25 having undergone surgery on his neck.

Jaeman Salmon made a successful return from injury last week, and Sitili Tupouniua is also nearing a comeback which would come via the bench.

Dragons:

After both returning this week, Luciano Leilua and Hamish Stewart could be straight back out again.

Leilua suffered a deep laceration to his shin and could be forced to spend some time on the sideline to give him the best chance to avoid infection. Stewart picked up a knee injury and only managed 21 minutes.

Michael Molo could start in place of Leilua having impressed there in Round 18. Loko Pasifiki Tonga could join the bench in place of Stewart.

Matt Feagai made a successful return through NSW Cup from an ankle injury and could come into contention for a wing spot. Christian Tuipulotu is aiming for a return in Round 21.

Cameron Munster (R) will return from Origin duties after being given last round off by the Storm. Picture: Getty

STORM v SEA EAGLES

Saturday, 7:35pm, AAMI Park

Storm:

The high-flying Storm will welcome back Cameron Munster this week. The Maroons skipper was rested in Round 19 and will replace Tyran Wishart in the starting line-up.

Ryan Papenhuyzen will once again be named and need to pass a fitness test to ensure his calves are up to the task this week. Nick Meaney will again deputise at fullback if required with Kane Bradley on standby to fill in on the wing if required.

The rest of the starting side will be named 1-13 with Trent Loiero to shift back to lock.

Winger Will Warbrick is aiming to return from a lengthy layoff due to concussion symptoms in Queensland Cup.

Sea Eagles:

After successive victories, Manly will need to make a call this week on the role of Tom Trbojevic.

Coach Anthony Seibold always described his shift to the centres as short term, and after a week off on the bye may decide the time has come to reshuffle the backline to maximise the impact of his star player.

Corey Waddell will again start in the second row with Haumole Olakau’atu aiming for a return from a shoulder injury next week.

Jahream Bula is closing in on a return for the Tigers. Picture: Getty

WESTS TIGERS v TITANS

Sunday, 2:00pm, Leichhardt Oval

Wests Tigers:

Jahream Bula will be pushing to return in front of a packed Leichhardt crowd this week from a hamstring issue.

Should the fullback be fit, Sunia Turuva would shift back to the wing and Charlie Staines back to the reserves.

Second-rower Samuela Fainu is in doubt with a knee injury having copped a blow which left him hobbled in Round 19. Should he miss any game time, Alex Seyfarth could return to the starting side.

Titans:

David Fifita made a successful return in his side’s local derby against the Broncos, getting through 25 minutes of action.

He’s expected to continue playing off the bench as he rebuilds his match fitness with Chris Randall and Beau Fermor to start on the edges.

Hooker Sam Verrills suffered a concussion in Round 19 and will be unavailable for selection this round. Sean Mullany could replace him.

Alofiana Khan-Pereira could earn a recall this week having been dropped to Queensland Cup a fortnight ago.

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Has the goalkicking, plus strong job security following a season ending injury to Luke Metcalf.#SuperCoach#NRLpic.twitter.com/bSP1LCx76q

— SuperCoach NRL (@SuperCoachNRL) July 13, 2025

KNIGHTS v WARRIORS

Sunday, 4:05pm, McDonald Jones Stadium

Knights:

Dylan Lucas is out for the season after suffering a lisfranc injury last round.

He joins Kalyn Ponga and five-eighth Fletcher Sharpe on the list of those returning next year after the club also confirmed Sharpe wouldn’t make it back after his ruptured kidney and spleen suffered in Round 16.

Dane Gagai filled in ably at fullback in the absence of Ponga with Fletcher Hunt in the centres.

Jermaine McEwen or Brodie Jones could start in place of Lucas on the left edge. Tyson Frizell could also move to an edge with Phoenix Crossland to lock and Jayden Brailey at hooker.

Warriors:

The Warriors will welcome back Kurt Capewell this week after the Queenslander was rested after Origin 3.

Rocco Berry suffered a shoulder injury with the club to send him to scans to confirm the severity. Capewell likely takes his spot in the centres with Leka Halisima to continue to start in the second row.

Tanah Boyd had an excellent start to life at the Warriors kicking five goals and setting up one try and will start again in the halfbacks jersey.

Taine Tuapiki was also excellent at fullback and will continue to fill in for Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad until his expected return in Round 21. The rest of the side will be named 1-13.

Originally published as NRL Early Mail round 20: Lachlan Galvin wins recall at Bulldogs