Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs premiership winner Reni Maitua has proposed a bold change in positions for Lachlan Galvin, suggesting Cameron Ciraldo should move him to the fullback role to capitalise on his unique skill set.
The spine at Belmore has chopped and changed over the course of the 2026 season, with the club still trying to figure out the winning combination to challenge for a title.
The season started with Galvin and Matt Burton in the halves, before Burton shifted to centre to appoint skipper Stephen Crichton to partner Galvin.
This combination was the most settled the side has looked, but have recently fallen out of finals contention after back-to-back losses, leaving their chances of a September feature on life support.
Sean O'Sullivan has also been elevated into the halves when called upon with great success, leaving fans perplexed as to what the future spine shapes up as.
The club is all but set to finish in ninth place, with the Cowboys in front by two points and a timely placed bye this weekend pushing them further.
The 2004 premiership-winning second-rower has thrown Galvin's name into the mix for a switch, highlighting his ball-running strengths and his big frame, which cater towards the modern-day fullback role.
“I look at the Bulldogs (and I) look at their spine, where they're lacking,” Maitua told SEN's The Run Home with Joel and Fletch before the Bulldogs' latest 22-6 loss to South Sydney.
“For me, I thought the problem could be solved with someone who's already on their roster.
“So, everyone keeps looking at Galvin (who) needs to be improved to become a great (No.) 7.
“I'm looking at what he's already elite at. He's 190 centimetres, an unbelievable engine, averaging 120 metres as a halfback; he plays instinctively, he's already creating tries and line breaks.
“You put him at fullback; he has freedom to roam; he supports through the middle; he can be that second playmaker.
“So my take was that you've got a player there that can already cover that fullback position.
“Instead of spending $700,000-800,000 on going to find a fullback, maybe use him in the spine as a fullback."
Connor Tracey has been the first-choice fullback for Ciraldo, while also using Jacob Kiraz at times of need, who has also shown plenty when given an opportunity in the one jersey.
With Galvin pushed to the back, O'Sullivan and Crichton as a halves pairing would create a traditional balance of chief playmaker and ball-running five-eighth, often showcased in successful NRL sides.
The Bulldogs' loss to South Sydney was crucial in seeing who would make the race for the finals, with the Rabbitohs coming out on top, now sitting in outright sixth.
Ciraldo's outfit now turns its attention towards the St George Illawarra Dragons, who have recorded back-to-back wins and are making a march off the bottom of the ladder.
The Dragons will host the Bulldogs at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night.
