Cameron Ciraldo hopes Lachlan Galvin is the key to defeating NRL premiership heavyweights

Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo has explained his controversial decision to axe Toby Sexton and select teenager Lachlan Galvin for Saturday’s clash with the Dragons.

Cameron Ciraldo says the Bulldogs’ ability to challenge premiership contenders Canberra, Melbourne, Warriors and Brisbane is the reason behind his decision to promote Lachlan Galvin into the starting halfback position.

The Canterbury coach has lifted the lid on the call that has dominated debate and discussion surrounding the club, with regular halfback Toby Sexton making way for the highly touted 20-year-old.

Galvin will join five-eighth Matt Burton in the halves against St George-Illawarra at Accor Stadium on Saturday night.

“Over the last little period we’ve been working really hard on our attack, we’ve been trying to evolve towards the back end of the year and understanding what’s going to beat those top teams, who have got really good defensive systems,’’ Ciraldo told SEN’s Breakfast with Vossy and Brandy on Wednesday.

(L-R) Lachlan Galvin and Cameron Ciraldo.

“And we just felt like we weren’t sort of getting there.

“Lachie had been showing some really good signs at training with his natural talent with the ball and with how he can unlock players around him.

“He’s been working really hard. He came up to the coaches box last week, which gave him a really good opportunity to see what we’re seeing.

“He’s impressed everyone with his work-ethic and ability to learn and while it was a tough decision because we love Toby and he’s done a great job for us - and we’re not giving up on him - but right now Lachie deserves an opportunity.’’

Sexton, who has been a mainstay at the scrumbase for the Dogs, recently inked a two-year deal with Catalans from next season.

Ciraldo conceded that the decision to replace Sexton for Galvin was tough.

“There’s some really hard times where you see players who have come to your club as young men and grown up in that time,’’ Ciraldo said.

“And we also have conversations where we’ve got to leave guys out and they’re not the parts you enjoy, but that’s what we get paid for.

“As long as every decision is in the best interests of the team and the club, they’re not that difficult to have.’’

Asked about the pressure Sexton has been under ever since Galvin’s highly-publicised arrival to Belmore last May, Ciraldo said that ultimately the club was aiming to build a competitive environment which cultivates a greater demand for success.

“Everyone has that pressure,’’ Ciraldo said.

“I remember having that conversation with Jacob Preston at the end of last year when we were bringing Sitili Tupouniua in, you could see the look in his eyes and we knew he was going to rise to that challenge and he’s ended up playing his best footy.

“We’ve got jobs to do and we’ve got a deep squad and that’s the good thing.

“We’ve been able to put together over the last couple of years is a deep squad and competition for spots.’’

Ciraldo also confirmed centre Bronson Xerri had been ruled out of the clash with the Dragons due to a groin strain.

Originally published as Cameron Ciraldo hopes Lachlan Galvin is the key to defeating NRL premiership heavyweights