A rumoured handshake deal between Lachlan Galvin and the Bulldogs has made the NRL community overflow with debates, not just because the Tigers teen is switching stripes, but because of what it might mean for Matt Burton.
According to radio broadcaster Chris Smith’s post on social media X, Galvin is poised to slot into the No.6 jersey from 2026, with Toby Sexton retaining the No.7, and Burton, in a shock twist, being shifted to fullback.
That left-field move is already raising eyebrows.
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“Matt Burton is the best No.6 in the NRL when it comes to positive outcomes from his monster up and unders and his general kicking game. As a No.1 they nullify this component. Bad move,” one fan posted on social media in response to the news.
Burton's boots may be better grounded at six
The proposed switch comes at a time when Burton’s stock at five-eighth is as high as it’s ever been. In the Bulldogs’ thrilling comeback win over the Roosters last week, it was his towering bombs, clever grubbers and decisive try under the posts that powered the side to victory.
Even in the recent 44-8 loss to the Dolphins, he was one of the few who emerged with credit.
“I thought Burto was probably one of our best, like he was competing until the end, even with the scoreboard the way it was,” head coach Cameron Ciraldo said after the drubbing in Brisbane.
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But with Galvin looming large as the Bulldogs’ long-term playmaker, Burton’s spot in the halves is suddenly under scrutiny. A positional reshuffle could be on the cards, and fans aren’t convinced.
“He’s too stiff,” another supporter said about the idea of Burton at fullback.
Some have even floated alternative domino moves, like shifting Burton to centre and offloading Bronson Xerri to make cap space, but any change will have ramifications in a side still struggling for consistency.