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Galvin was initially named on the bench for the clash with the Cowboys, only to be omitted at the 11th hour when coach Cameron Ciraldo opted for four forwards on the bench.
While the Bulldogs scored a hard-fought 12-8 win, Ciraldo described their attack as “a bit clunky at times”, adding that his team performed better in back-to-back losses against Penrith and Brisbane, when Galvin played.
Ciraldo will be hoping the reinstatement of Galvin, and the return of Origin stars Stephen Crichton and Kurt Mann, improve his team’s potency with the ball.
The 19-year-old former Wests Tigers playmaker will be making his first appearance as Canterbury’s halfback, having played twice off the bench and twice as five-eighth.
There have also been significant changes to the halves of several other teams.
Veteran Chad Townsend has been recalled, after Hugo Savala suffered an injury, for his first game since round five when the Sydney Roosters meet Cronulla at Shark Park on Friday.
Meanwhile, Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has opted to rest both his son Nathan and Isaah Yeo for Friday’s clash with South Sydney at Commbank Stadium, while Liam Martin is unavailable because of the wrist injury he sustained in last week’s State of Origin decider.
NSW stars Dylan Edwards and Brian To’o are after sitting out Sunday’s win against Parramatta.
Souths coach Wayne Bennett has named English import Lewis Dodd on the bench, for what will be his fourth NRL game since arriving from St Helens, and his first appearance since round nine.
There was no place in Parramatta’s top 17 for Newcastle-bound playmaker Dylan Brown, who was assigned jersey No.18 for the clash with the Raiders in Canberra on Saturday, allowing rookie Joash Papalii to start his second consecutive match at five-eighth.
Brown’s future role at Eels in question
Dylan Brown may be heading to the bench or reserve grade for the rest of the season.
Less than 24 hours after Lachlan Galvin’s immediate future at Canterbury came under scrutiny when he was omitted from the squad that beat North Queensland in Townsville, Brown’s selection prospects at Parramatta look equally uncertain after coach Jason Ryles revealed rookie Joash Papalii would be given every opportunity to establish himself at five-eighth.
Brown, who is joining Newcastle next season on an unprecedented 10-year deal worth a reported $13 million, played hooker for the first time in his career in Parramatta’s loss to Penrith on Sunday.
But the return of Ryley Smith from suspension, and the signing of Tallyn Da Silva from Wests Tigers, means the 25-year-old won’t be needed at dummy-half when the Eels clash with Canberra on Saturday.
Ryles said Parramatta have opted for a policy of “our future is now” and Brown was “on board” with the change in direction.
“He’s been really good, right from when he made his decision to move on,” Ryles said.
“He’s been really receptive of anything that we’ve put to him.
“He’s a really good person and a really selfless person for our footy club. So whilst he’s still here, he’s happy to do whatever is best for the team so it’s a reflection of his character.”
Dylan Brown played hooker for the first time in his career on Sunday.Credit: NRL Photos
Ryles was non-committal when asked about Brown’s selection prospects.
“Ryley’s back next week, so come in on Tuesday or Wednesday and we’ll sit down and put the names up and see what it looks like … I’ll tell you next week,” he said.
Brown’s best chance of adding to his 138 NRL games for the Eels would appear to be a bit-part utility role off the bench, or as a stopgap injury replacement.
The Kiwi international playmaker could also potentially be dropped back to NSW Cup, if Ryles sticks to the plan of preferring young players who will be at the club next season and beyond.
The coach indicated 21-year-old Papalii, who debuted earlier in the season, would be given an extended run at five-eighth.
“Obviously our spine was young tonight, for periods there, but that’s where we’re going with the club,” he said. “We’ve decided to take that approach, and I’m really comfortable with it.
“I just need to get them on the field as often as possible for as long as they can, and get their lessons while they’re developing.”
Walsh magic sinks Titans as Broncos put more heat on Hasler
Joel Gould
Brisbane fullback Reece Walsh came up with the big plays to sink Gold Coast and heap further pressure on Titans coach Des Hasler.
Brisbane won their fifth game in a row - a 26-14 victory at Robina on Sunday night - to stay fifth in the NRL standings and keep alive their top-four hopes.
The last-placed Titans had chances to win, but failed to win the key moments.
It was a far from convincing display by the Broncos, who were error-riddled in the first half. Their opponents were no better.
Walsh scored a try and set one up when the match was on the line, while centre Kotoni Staggs was the best player on the field.
The scores were locked at 2-2 until the Broncos scored twice in the final four minutes of the first half to take a 14-2 lead.
Reece Walsh in action against the Titans.Credit: Getty Images
The Broncos finally went over in the 34th minute, and it was rookie 26-year-old prop Ben Talty who scored his first NRL try in his second match.
Staggs swooped on a loose pass minutes later when it appeared the Titans would score, and back-rower Jack Gosiewski scored at the other end after a Walsh pass.
Walsh started and finished a long-range try after the break and topped it off with a back-flip to boot to give his side a 20-2 lead.
Two tries to Titans centre Jojo Fifita in the space of nine minutes lit up a crowd of 24,553. An AJ Brimson grubber and a superb interchange between half Jayden Campbell and forward Chris Randall set up the four-pointers.
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The Titans went close to levelling before Broncos hooker Billy Walters scored at the other end.
Earlier, Broncos second-rower Brendan Piakura knocked on early while attempting to score after an Adam Reynolds kick and was concussed in the process. He failed his HIA and did not return.
Hasler, who is contracted until the end of 2026, remains the centre of plenty of discussion regarding his future.
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