Bold moment: a rising star takes center stage in Las Vegas, while his future teammates quietly shield him from the glare. Canterbury Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton has reassured fans that Lachlan Galvin is fully focused and ready for the big clash in Las Vegas, even as the club keeps the 20-year-old half off the media roster under the bright lights of Sin City.
Galvin is the only player among the four NRL clubs—Bulldogs, Dragons, Cowboys, and Knights—who isn’t accessible to reporters during this trip. Canterbury appears intent on letting him keep a low profile and concentrate on his football after a turbulent 2025, a year marked by a difficult split with the Wests Tigers and questions about his form during his Bulldogs stretch.
Crichton told 9News at a fan day at Resorts World, saying, "He’s been good. He’s probably just being protected because he’s young, but he’s been loving it up as well."
Galvin retains the No. 7 jersey for round one as the Bulldogs take on the Dragons at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday (AEDT). He will partner Matt Burton in the halves, with Connor Tracey at fullback and Bailey Hayward at hooker.
The 2026 season will be broadcast live and free on Nine and 9Now, ensuring fans won’t miss the action.
Crichton added that he’s been discussing the game plan with Galvin and that the youngster has been taking a leadership role during the Vegas camp, signaling he’s "switched on" for the campaign ahead.
The Las Vegas setting has been buzzing, with English fans known for their fervor as Hull KR and Leeds Rhinos prepared to meet. When asked whether his experience in State of Origin and NRL grand finals has prepared him for Vegas, Crichton replied with a confident, "Yeah, 100 percent. But I reckon this is going to be bigger and better as well." And this is the part most people miss: the combination of high-stakes rugby league and a global spectacle can redefine a rookie’s trajectory if they rise to the moment.
Thought-provoking note: Should teams shield young talents from media scrutiny to protect their development, or does early media exposure build resilience that benefits players in long-term careers? Share your views in the comments.
