Lachlan Galvin reveals reason for joining Bulldogs, takes subtle swipe at Tigers and Benji Marshall

Lachlan Galvin has praised the camaraderie of his new Bulldogs teammates and endorsed the standards of coach Cameron Ciraldo - taking a subtle dig at his former club in the process.

Lachlan Galvin has praised the camaraderie of his new Canterbury teammates, declaring Bulldogs players have “each other’s backs” in the wake of the youngster’s messy Wests Tigers exit.

The 19-year-old also endorsed coach Cameron Ciraldo’s standards amid speculation that the rising star had lost faith in Benji Marshall’s ability to further his career as a playmaker at Concord.

Galvin officially joined the Bulldogs on a three-and-half-year deal after he was granted an immediate release to join the Belmore club last week.

In April, Galvin made the bombshell decision to quit the Tigers having refused to entertain a contract extension despite being offered a rich deal in the vicinity of $5 million over five years.

Marshall axed Galvin from the side immediately after revealing his intentions to quit the club, while halves partner Jarome Luai took to social media with a “team first” post seemingly aimed at Galvin’s decision.

The fallout is said to have left Galvin feeling ostracised at Concord forcing his management to serve the club with a legal letter over allegations of bullying.

Lachlan Galvin in Bulldogs colours. Picture: Canterbury Bulldogs

But in an interview with the Bulldogs, Galvin made a point of praising the unity among Canterbury teammates under coach Cameron Ciraldo.

“Just how much grit they show,” Galvin said when asked about what he admired about the Bulldogs.

Get to know our newest recruit, Lachie Galvin 💙🤝 pic.twitter.com/R43v264skx

— Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (@NRL_Bulldogs) June 1, 2025

“They are always here for each other, all the boys have each other’s backs … I just want to keep working hard, getting in here and learning all their systems.

Galvin also revealed Ciraldo’s tough training methods and standards as the main driving force behind his decision to ink a deal with the Bulldogs.

“I just think he is a real leader,” Galvin said.

“I think he is driving standards here that are pretty cool and something that I obviously want to be a part of.

“So getting to know him more and more as the season goes on and the next three years that I’m here is going to be pretty cool.

“I can’t wait to be having conversations in his office, hopefully good ones. I can’t wait.”

While the Tigers are rebuilding after slumping to three-straight wooden spoons, the Bulldogs have transformed into genuine title contenders under the guidance of Ciraldo.

Galvin said being part of Canterbury’s resurgence was an opportunity too good to refuse.

“Watching and seeing the path that the Bulldogs are on at the moment and how they are going week in and week out, I think has really drawn me to the club,” Galvin said.

“Getting in here now, it’s really exciting and meeting Ciro and all the assistants, it’s pretty cool.

“The way they are speaking to me and telling me how the club is going at the moment, I really want to be a part of (that).”

After snubbing Parramatta to join the Bulldogs, Galvin now finds himself in line to make his Canterbury debut against the Eels in Monday’s King’s Birthday clash in front of a bumper crowd at Accor Stadium.

“Hopefully I get to play in that game and make my debut,” Galvin said.

“It will be awesome to run out in front of all the Doggies fans.

“You see all the Doggies games, and all the fans they turn out. They love it.

“If we keep playing well, they are going to turn out.

“You see it all over TikTok and Instagram, they are pretty crazy. I want to be on their side.”

Originally published as Lachlan Galvin reveals reason for joining Bulldogs, takes subtle swipe at Tigers and Benji Marshall