Gus explains the Bulldogs plans for Lachlan Galvin: Six Tackles with Gus
Gus dissects the Broncos' struggles and how they can be their own worst enemy at times. He discusses Lachlan Galvin and how he has fit into the club, has his say on State of Origin II selections, the new Kangaroos coaching job, plus offers his insights on the Trbojevic brothers' contract negotiations.
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Daily Telegraph
5 hours ago
- Daily Telegraph
NRL news: Braith Anasta calls for Bulldogs to make tough call after Lachlan Galvin scalp, latest news, Parramatta Eels
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Braith Anasta has warned that the Lachlan Galvin signing could disrupt the Bulldogs' momentum and will likely result in a major backline reshuffle. The 19-year-old's contract saga has dominated the rugby league news cycle for several weeks before it finally came to a head last week when he signed with the Bulldogs on around $750,000 a season. Many expected Galvin to make his debut in the Easter Monday clash against the Eels, but the teen phenom has instead been named outside the 17. Although a late change could be on the cards. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. His arrival at Belmore had many speculating he would take the spot of No. 7 Toby Sexton, who has been a revelation in 2025 and is a large reason why the Dogs sit pretty at the top of the NRL ladder. But Anasta told that he believes Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo has other ideas and instead representative centre and current Dogs five-eighth Matt Burton will shift to fullback, with Galvin handed the No. 6 jersey and fullback Connor Tracey playing off the bench or dropped to reserve grade. 'I think Galvin is a 5/8 not a halfback,' Anasta told 'I know many are saying he will play seven but the Galvin signing isn't a short-term play. Where he fits their system right now is tricky. 'I'm sure the Dogs would have spoken to him openly about where he could potentially play but there isn't an obvious spot for him to come into. I would think they will most likely give Sexton the next few weeks to see if he continues to knock it out of the park. 'If he does they have two options, play him (Galvin) off the bench for the year or if not I don't mind the idea of playing Burton at fullback. Braith Anasta has called for Matt Burton to play fullback, pushing Toby Sexton out of the side. Image: Getty 'It doesn't mess up the team chemistry, Burton's kicking game isn't taken away by being at fullback, and of course that is tough for Tracey, but Burton fits the mould of the modern fullback arguably better. 'Fullbacks these days are runners, who are real ball players and it (playing fullback) would allow him to inject himself into the game as he likes. If it was up to me I'd be doing that before anything else so as to not interrupt the team as much. 'I could see them really having success with Burton at fullback along with Sexton and Galvin in that spine but again a lot of it really rides on Sexton.' If Galvin is to be a late inclusion, he will likely be met with a mixed reception from fans, coming up against the team he turned down, the Eels. While Tigers fans also feel aggrieved by his decision to exit the club and his return to the joint venture will almost certainly result in him being booed and jeered every time he touches the ball. That reaction is nothing new to Anasta, who in his playing career had a mixed reaction after he joined the Roosters, due to the fact he was a Rabbitohs junior. So ahead of Galvin's possible debut, the player-turned-Fox League pundit passed on some words of wisdom to the teenager. 'My words of wisdom with anything like this is you've made your decision now and have to just back yourself,' Anasta told Canterbury Bulldogs signing Lachlan Galvin. Lachlan Galvin is pushing to be a late inclusion. 'He (Galvin) sounds like a really switched-on kid with a high footy IQ. All I'd say is block out the noise as it's really irrelevant. 'What people think, feel all their opinions about you are irrelevant unless they're the ones closest to you like your family, friends your boss and your coach. 'Because everyone's always going have an opinion and not everyone's always going to agree with the decisions that you're making in life but it doesn't matter. It really doesn't matter as long as you know you're confident in your own ability, confident in the decision you make and you work hard. 'For Galvin, the sky is the limit, the decision to leave has been made, he can put all that behind him and look forward to playing footy.' The Bulldogs take on the Eels in an epic Kings Birthday blockbuster on Monday. You can catch all the action live on Kayo Sports. Originally published as Braith Anasta calls for Bulldogs to make tough Connor Tracey call after Lachlan Galvin coup
The Advertiser
7 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Broncos star axed as Walsh gives Maguire new hope
Brisbane coach Michael Maguire has swung the axe with representative outside back Selwyn Cobbo dropped from the team. The decision, after the Broncos lost six of seven matches, shows Maguire is prepared to be make big calls for poor performances. Josiah Karapani, 23, will come into the side on the wing for his first NRL match of the season against Gold Coast at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night. Star fullback Reece Walsh returns to No.1 after missing six weeks with a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury and will partner halves Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds for the first time as a combination in 2025. The Broncos have not been happy with 23-year-old Cobbo's recent performances at fullback and wing. Maguire explained his decision, with Cobbo expected to play Queensland Cup for Wynnum Manly. "As a group, and as a leadership group and as a coach, we're pushing standards here and expectations in how we're doing things, and Karapani's got his opportunity and Selly's got to look at a few things in his game," Maguire said. "(Karapani) has been really consistent in the way he's been playing through the pre -season ... and he's obviously experienced first grade. When he has played, he's played really well. I know he'll do a good job." Maguire said Cobbo "definitely" could force his way back into the side. Cobbo is off-contract but Maguire said he did not look at his axing as having an impact on whether he would still be at the Broncos next year. "I'm here to coach the team. We're creating standards and ... the more you meet those, the more opportunities you have," Maguire said, while confirming he would keep private the intricate detail of the areas Cobbo needed to Deine Mariner was also dropped while prop Pat Carrigan moves to his favoured lock position. The Broncos have lacked competitive tension in recent weeks for spots with Walsh and half/hooker Ben Hunt (hamstring) unavailable. That has now changed with Hunt not far away from a return. "It's (about) having the players available too," Maguire said. "We're starting to get the spine everyone gets excited about with Reyno and Ez and Reece ...and we'll get Hunty back in there at some stage. "It just tinkers with how you're playing and with those boys in there ... you're looking at a different outcome. "Reece is ready to go so we are looking forward to bringing his energy back in, but also to his experience and just who he is. He's a good player. I love coaching him. He'll do his job for the team." Maguire wore an "Adam Reynolds 300" shirt in tribute to the Brisbane captain who will reach the milestone against the Titans. He said it was "an honour" to mentor the 34-year-old, whom he gave an NRL debut to in 2012 at South Sydney. "To think further down the track, we're playing 300 it's an incredible achievement really," Maguire said. "For a little fella like him, he's had every big man running at him, makes plenty of tackles, pushes the team around the park and he's had some massive moments. "Grand final winner (in 2014), been in a few more grand finals and helped a lot of players. One thing that stands out for me is how Reyno influenced his teammates." Brisbane coach Michael Maguire has swung the axe with representative outside back Selwyn Cobbo dropped from the team. The decision, after the Broncos lost six of seven matches, shows Maguire is prepared to be make big calls for poor performances. Josiah Karapani, 23, will come into the side on the wing for his first NRL match of the season against Gold Coast at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night. Star fullback Reece Walsh returns to No.1 after missing six weeks with a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury and will partner halves Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds for the first time as a combination in 2025. The Broncos have not been happy with 23-year-old Cobbo's recent performances at fullback and wing. Maguire explained his decision, with Cobbo expected to play Queensland Cup for Wynnum Manly. "As a group, and as a leadership group and as a coach, we're pushing standards here and expectations in how we're doing things, and Karapani's got his opportunity and Selly's got to look at a few things in his game," Maguire said. "(Karapani) has been really consistent in the way he's been playing through the pre -season ... and he's obviously experienced first grade. When he has played, he's played really well. I know he'll do a good job." Maguire said Cobbo "definitely" could force his way back into the side. Cobbo is off-contract but Maguire said he did not look at his axing as having an impact on whether he would still be at the Broncos next year. "I'm here to coach the team. We're creating standards and ... the more you meet those, the more opportunities you have," Maguire said, while confirming he would keep private the intricate detail of the areas Cobbo needed to Deine Mariner was also dropped while prop Pat Carrigan moves to his favoured lock position. The Broncos have lacked competitive tension in recent weeks for spots with Walsh and half/hooker Ben Hunt (hamstring) unavailable. That has now changed with Hunt not far away from a return. "It's (about) having the players available too," Maguire said. "We're starting to get the spine everyone gets excited about with Reyno and Ez and Reece ...and we'll get Hunty back in there at some stage. "It just tinkers with how you're playing and with those boys in there ... you're looking at a different outcome. "Reece is ready to go so we are looking forward to bringing his energy back in, but also to his experience and just who he is. He's a good player. I love coaching him. He'll do his job for the team." Maguire wore an "Adam Reynolds 300" shirt in tribute to the Brisbane captain who will reach the milestone against the Titans. He said it was "an honour" to mentor the 34-year-old, whom he gave an NRL debut to in 2012 at South Sydney. "To think further down the track, we're playing 300 it's an incredible achievement really," Maguire said. "For a little fella like him, he's had every big man running at him, makes plenty of tackles, pushes the team around the park and he's had some massive moments. "Grand final winner (in 2014), been in a few more grand finals and helped a lot of players. One thing that stands out for me is how Reyno influenced his teammates." Brisbane coach Michael Maguire has swung the axe with representative outside back Selwyn Cobbo dropped from the team. The decision, after the Broncos lost six of seven matches, shows Maguire is prepared to be make big calls for poor performances. Josiah Karapani, 23, will come into the side on the wing for his first NRL match of the season against Gold Coast at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night. Star fullback Reece Walsh returns to No.1 after missing six weeks with a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury and will partner halves Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds for the first time as a combination in 2025. The Broncos have not been happy with 23-year-old Cobbo's recent performances at fullback and wing. Maguire explained his decision, with Cobbo expected to play Queensland Cup for Wynnum Manly. "As a group, and as a leadership group and as a coach, we're pushing standards here and expectations in how we're doing things, and Karapani's got his opportunity and Selly's got to look at a few things in his game," Maguire said. "(Karapani) has been really consistent in the way he's been playing through the pre -season ... and he's obviously experienced first grade. When he has played, he's played really well. I know he'll do a good job." Maguire said Cobbo "definitely" could force his way back into the side. Cobbo is off-contract but Maguire said he did not look at his axing as having an impact on whether he would still be at the Broncos next year. "I'm here to coach the team. We're creating standards and ... the more you meet those, the more opportunities you have," Maguire said, while confirming he would keep private the intricate detail of the areas Cobbo needed to Deine Mariner was also dropped while prop Pat Carrigan moves to his favoured lock position. The Broncos have lacked competitive tension in recent weeks for spots with Walsh and half/hooker Ben Hunt (hamstring) unavailable. That has now changed with Hunt not far away from a return. "It's (about) having the players available too," Maguire said. "We're starting to get the spine everyone gets excited about with Reyno and Ez and Reece ...and we'll get Hunty back in there at some stage. "It just tinkers with how you're playing and with those boys in there ... you're looking at a different outcome. "Reece is ready to go so we are looking forward to bringing his energy back in, but also to his experience and just who he is. He's a good player. I love coaching him. He'll do his job for the team." Maguire wore an "Adam Reynolds 300" shirt in tribute to the Brisbane captain who will reach the milestone against the Titans. He said it was "an honour" to mentor the 34-year-old, whom he gave an NRL debut to in 2012 at South Sydney. "To think further down the track, we're playing 300 it's an incredible achievement really," Maguire said. "For a little fella like him, he's had every big man running at him, makes plenty of tackles, pushes the team around the park and he's had some massive moments. "Grand final winner (in 2014), been in a few more grand finals and helped a lot of players. One thing that stands out for me is how Reyno influenced his teammates."
The Advertiser
7 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Edict fires two NRL greats into frame for Kangaroos job
The NRL will maintain its stance of prohibiting the Kangaroos coach from having club ties, placing Brad Fittler and Cameron Smith at the front of the queue to replace Mal Meninga. After nine years and two World Cup titles, Meninga has walked away from the Australian Test side to become head coach of the Perth Bears ahead of their inaugural NRL season in 2027. Meninga has been one of the most vocal supporters of the international game's growth and leaves the role with an 89 per cent win rate from 28 Tests. His exit to take the Perth gig leaves the Kangaroos without a coach just five months out from the first Ashes series in more than two decades. Australia will play England in a three-Test series at Wembley, Headingley and Everton's new home ground in November. There has been speculation that South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett would put his hand up to lead Australia. But NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said in Sydney on Friday that the ARL Commission wanted the national team coach to be at arm's length from club football. "We are all very excited for the end-of-season tour, it's been a long time in waiting, and of course we have a World Cup next year. "Today was about announcing Mal as the Perth Bears coach, and now with that secured the commission will turn its attention to the right candidate for the Kangaroos." Smith has no interest to coach at club level, but the 56-Test hooker said this week that the chance to work with the Kangaroos around his commentary commitments was appealing. Fittler, meanwhile, hasn't had a coaching position since parting ways with NSW following the 2023 State of Origin series. The ex-Australian playmaker currently works at the NRL and has received the backing of Phil Gould to lead the Kangaroos' Ashes tour. Meninga has helped restore the Australian team to the top of the international game, while the rise of Tonga and Samoa has left the Kangaroos increasingly fighting for players. "The Kangaroos job is a full-time job, it's not just coaching the team, there's a couple of other commitments," Meninga said. "From a transition point of view I'll hopefully be a part of all that. "I have loved the opportunity to coach the Australian team and build the international program. "I'm satisfied with the job I did with the national program, I'm really comfortable with the fact that I'm moving on." The NRL will maintain its stance of prohibiting the Kangaroos coach from having club ties, placing Brad Fittler and Cameron Smith at the front of the queue to replace Mal Meninga. After nine years and two World Cup titles, Meninga has walked away from the Australian Test side to become head coach of the Perth Bears ahead of their inaugural NRL season in 2027. Meninga has been one of the most vocal supporters of the international game's growth and leaves the role with an 89 per cent win rate from 28 Tests. His exit to take the Perth gig leaves the Kangaroos without a coach just five months out from the first Ashes series in more than two decades. Australia will play England in a three-Test series at Wembley, Headingley and Everton's new home ground in November. There has been speculation that South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett would put his hand up to lead Australia. But NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said in Sydney on Friday that the ARL Commission wanted the national team coach to be at arm's length from club football. "We are all very excited for the end-of-season tour, it's been a long time in waiting, and of course we have a World Cup next year. "Today was about announcing Mal as the Perth Bears coach, and now with that secured the commission will turn its attention to the right candidate for the Kangaroos." Smith has no interest to coach at club level, but the 56-Test hooker said this week that the chance to work with the Kangaroos around his commentary commitments was appealing. Fittler, meanwhile, hasn't had a coaching position since parting ways with NSW following the 2023 State of Origin series. The ex-Australian playmaker currently works at the NRL and has received the backing of Phil Gould to lead the Kangaroos' Ashes tour. Meninga has helped restore the Australian team to the top of the international game, while the rise of Tonga and Samoa has left the Kangaroos increasingly fighting for players. "The Kangaroos job is a full-time job, it's not just coaching the team, there's a couple of other commitments," Meninga said. "From a transition point of view I'll hopefully be a part of all that. "I have loved the opportunity to coach the Australian team and build the international program. "I'm satisfied with the job I did with the national program, I'm really comfortable with the fact that I'm moving on." The NRL will maintain its stance of prohibiting the Kangaroos coach from having club ties, placing Brad Fittler and Cameron Smith at the front of the queue to replace Mal Meninga. After nine years and two World Cup titles, Meninga has walked away from the Australian Test side to become head coach of the Perth Bears ahead of their inaugural NRL season in 2027. Meninga has been one of the most vocal supporters of the international game's growth and leaves the role with an 89 per cent win rate from 28 Tests. His exit to take the Perth gig leaves the Kangaroos without a coach just five months out from the first Ashes series in more than two decades. Australia will play England in a three-Test series at Wembley, Headingley and Everton's new home ground in November. There has been speculation that South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett would put his hand up to lead Australia. But NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said in Sydney on Friday that the ARL Commission wanted the national team coach to be at arm's length from club football. "We are all very excited for the end-of-season tour, it's been a long time in waiting, and of course we have a World Cup next year. "Today was about announcing Mal as the Perth Bears coach, and now with that secured the commission will turn its attention to the right candidate for the Kangaroos." Smith has no interest to coach at club level, but the 56-Test hooker said this week that the chance to work with the Kangaroos around his commentary commitments was appealing. Fittler, meanwhile, hasn't had a coaching position since parting ways with NSW following the 2023 State of Origin series. The ex-Australian playmaker currently works at the NRL and has received the backing of Phil Gould to lead the Kangaroos' Ashes tour. Meninga has helped restore the Australian team to the top of the international game, while the rise of Tonga and Samoa has left the Kangaroos increasingly fighting for players. "The Kangaroos job is a full-time job, it's not just coaching the team, there's a couple of other commitments," Meninga said. "From a transition point of view I'll hopefully be a part of all that. "I have loved the opportunity to coach the Australian team and build the international program. "I'm satisfied with the job I did with the national program, I'm really comfortable with the fact that I'm moving on."
