‘That’s another great question’: Cameron Ciraldo refuses to shut down potential interest in Lachlan Galvin

The Bulldogs appeared to be out of the race for Lachlan Galvin’s services a few weeks ago, but their stance may have changed.

Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo hasn’t ruled out his side making a play for Lachlan Galvin amid reports the Wests Tigers five-eighth may have played his last game for the club.

Galvin’s future has been a major talking point after his management told the Tigers that he wouldn’t entertain a contract extension beyond the 2026 season, although both parties stressed he would see out the remainder of his deal.

But reports emerged on Wednesday morning that Galvin could leave the club before June 30, with a transfer fee or player swap likely needed to fast track the move.

Bulldogs supremo Phil Gould has previously said that he thinks Galvin is the best young playmaker he’s ever seen, fuelling speculation that the club would be keen to have him.

The Bulldogs and Eels have been linked with Galvin’s services, although Ciraldo and Gould have both indicated in the past that the club wouldn’t sign him.

Cameron Ciraldo hasn’t ruled out his side going after Lachlan Galvin if he becomes available. Picture: NRL Photos

“I think I’ve addressed this before and Gus (Gould) has addressed it,” Ciraldo said just hours after the latest Galvin news broke.

“I only heard the latest updates just as I walked into this. It’s not something we’ve had time to comprehend or talk about.

“We’ve got a big game tomorrow night where there’s a great opportunity for some young guys coming in, and then we’ve got a bye where we can sit back, take a break, look at the first half of the season and reflect on what we can do better.”

Ciraldo was then asked point blank whether the door was still ajar for a potential move or if it was firmly shut.

“That’s another great question. Honestly, right now, we’re just worried about tomorrow night,” he said.

“We want to put in a really good performance to finish this first half of the season, then we’ve got 18 days before our next game to think about where we can get better and what we can do. I’m sure we’ll have those conversations in the future.”

Galvin will continue to be linked to the Bulldogs as long as halfback Toby Sexton remains unsigned for 2026.

Sexton has been terrific this season to help them to the top of the table, but he remains off-contract for next year and beyond with neither party willing to divulge what their plans are.

Toby Sexton’s future at the club hinges on whether they go after Galvin. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

“The key to where we’re going and how we’ve improved is being honest with each other,” Ciraldo said.

“We’ve had some really honest conversations with every player in the squad and I think they know where we’re at and what we need to get better at as a team and what they need to get better at individually.

“Those conversations will continue to happen and every player in our squad, I believe, can get better. We’re having those conversations every day.”

The Eels are the other logical fit for Galvin given the club is searching for a long-term five-eighth to replace Dylan Brown in the halves.

“He’s definitely a quality player and has been since he’s come into first grade,” Eels veteran Junior Paulo said.

“Wherever his future ends up, that’s something for the club to sort out, but wherever he does end up I’m sure he’ll be looking to relish in that role.

“To be honest, I think our focus is the game tomorrow and Dyl is playing for us.

“Whatever happens with Lachie and that situation, that’s for the club to sort out or whatever his player agent is willing to do. We wish him all the best with negotiations moving forward, but Dylan’s still here and he’s still got a job to do for us.”

Originally published as ‘That’s another great question’: Cameron Ciraldo refuses to shut down potential interest in Lachlan Galvin