NRL 2026, Canterbury Bulldogs, Lachlan Galvin, Las Vegas, best 17, injuries, Cameron Ciraldo, signings

Act of Squad: Bulldogs predicted team and 2026 overview

Author: Cameron Mee NRL Reporter
Timestamp: Wed 21 Jan 2026, 08:01 AM

The continued development of prodigious playmaker Lachlan Galvin shapes as pivotal in the Bulldogs quest to end a 22-year title drought.

Canterbury took great strides in 2025 and led the competition after 16 rounds before finishing third and suffering a frustrating straight-sets exit from the finals.

There were flashes of brilliance from Galvin following his midseason arrival, however it was clear combinations with teammates were still a work in progress.

A full pre-season at Belmore will change that and the 20-year-old is set to take on a central role in the side's attack in 2026.

Should Galvin's combination with five-eighth Matt Burton continue to develop, the halves will unlock a potent backline featuring inspirational skipper Stephen Crichton, Bronson Xerri and Jacob Kiraz.

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Toby Sexton, Reed Mahoney and Kurtis Morrin headline a group of off-season departures, however the arrival of Leo Thompson and Fletcher Baker will provide additional punch up front.

Bailey Hayward is set to step into the spotlight as the starting hooker following Mahoney's move to the Cowboys.

Having finished in the top-four in 2025, Canterbury have their sights on a premiership this season and they should be in the mix come September.

Fans will get their first look at the Bulldogs in the opening game of the Pre-Season Challenge against the Cowboys on February 7.

Cameron Ciraldo's men will open their NRL campaign against the Dragons under the bright lights of Las Vegas before the bye and a Thursday-night showdown with the Raiders in Canberra in Round 3.