IIn a move that has sent ripples through the NRL community, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs skipper Stephen Crichton has broken his silence on the club’s latest signing—highly rated young gun Latu Galvin. After weeks of speculation and mounting hype, the Bulldogs have officially secured Galvin’s services in what’s being touted as one of the most exciting acquisitions of the season.
Crichton, who has quickly grown into a leadership role since joining the Bulldogs from Penrith, spoke candidly about the Galvin deal and what it means for the club’s future. His response? Enthusiastic support and firm confidence.
“Latu’s an unreal talent,” Crichton said in a post-training media session on Wednesday. “I’ve seen what he’s capable of. The way he reads the game, the way he leads from the halves at such a young age—it’s pretty special. You don’t see that every day.”
Galvin, still in his teenage years, has been making headlines since bursting onto the scene in the junior circuits. Known for his sharp game management, precise kicking, and mature decision-making, he’s often been compared to some of the greats—despite his limited experience at the senior level. His move to the Bulldogs is not only a statement of intent from the club but also a potential game-changer for their long-term strategy.
Crichton emphasized how the Bulldogs are in a phase of rebuilding with purpose.
“We’re building something here—something real,” he said. “And Latu’s the kind of player you build around. We’ve already got a tight squad, but adding someone like him brings that spark. Everyone’s pumped.”
The Bulldogs have been aggressively reshaping their roster under head coach Cameron Ciraldo, with Crichton serving as both a spiritual leader and on-field general. Galvin’s arrival seems to align perfectly with the club’s broader goal of constructing a dynamic, youthful core that can challenge the competition’s elite.
Crichton also acknowledged the importance of nurturing Galvin’s development in a high-pressure environment like the NRL.
“It’s easy to get lost in all the headlines,” Crichton said. “But the most important thing is making sure he’s supported. He’ll have older boys like myself, Burto (Matt Burton), and Foxx (Josh Addo-Carr) there to guide him. We’ve all been the new kid once.”
The reaction among Bulldogs fans has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media lit up after the official announcement, with many calling Galvin the “missing link” in Canterbury’s spine.
With the Bulldogs showing glimpses of promise throughout the current season but still lacking consistency in the halves, Galvin’s addition could provide the structure and creativity they’ve been craving. It’s a bold move—but one that reflects a club determined to shake up the status quo.
As for Crichton, his stance is crystal clear: “It’s a done deal—and it’s a big one. Latu’s going to make waves here.”
The future looks bright at Belmore. And with Crichton and Galvin leading the charge, Bulldogs fans have every reason to dream again.
