Lachlan Galvin has never lacked confidence and he'll need every bit of it if he's to outwit the game's premier playmaker and keep the Bulldogs' season alive.
Nathan Cleary is Galvin's senior by seven years and 146 NRL games, not to mention four premierships. But that won't stop the 21-year-old from taking the game up to Cleary as Canterbury look to emulate a Round 6 win over the Panthers and remain in the finals hunt.
Galvin's teammates have marvelled at his progress across the season and are backing him to stand tall on the back of two try assists, 123 run metres and a try in last week's demolition of the Dragons.
“Lachie doesn’t feel much pressure as it is,” said fullback Connor Tracey.
“He's been playing good all year and doesn’t deserve the stuff he cops.
“He’s a really exciting young kid.”
With two games remaining, the Bulldogs must beat the Panthers and Broncos, and rely on the Rabbitohs and Cowboys stumbling to keep their top-eight hopes alive.
Lachlan Galvin Try
And to make matters worse they have had to deal with an outbreak of COVID, with up to 10 players struck down in a throwback to the uncertain times of 2020 and '21.
“It was a tricky week with heaps of boys out, but the way everyone turned up with the right attitude [against the Dragons] just shows what we’ve got here,” said centre Matt Burton.
“It was a good step in the right direction. We attacked really well and it flowed great.
“We need to fine-tune a few things against Penrith. We know what side they are, you can’t be clunky against them, otherwise they’ll make you pay.”
Vintage Burto
The 32-16 win over the Panthers back in April was a triumph for Galvin with four line break assists and Enari Tuala, who broke seven tackles and ran for 180 metres.
Sadly for the Dogs they weren't able to back that up, falling to five straight losses after the Panthers upset, summing up the rollercoaster nature of their season.
Tracey is adamant the chance to test themselves against the best team of the modern era in a do-or-die match is one to embrace.
“Last few times we’ve played them it’s been pretty close,” he said.
“It’s cool playing Penrith, the benchmark of the competition for the last few years. It’s exciting to be playing them this time of year.
“It’s pretty simple for the rest of the season, win this week and win the next game as well.
“It’s exciting to play Penrith with all the stakes that are on that.”
Match: Panthers v Bulldogs
Round 26 -
home Team
Panthers
2nd Position
away Team
Bulldogs
9th Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
