Canterbury Bulldogs halfback Lachlan Galvin may be facing a stint on the sidelines after sustaining hand and ankle injuries during his side’s shock 28-14 loss to the Wests Tigers on Sunday.
The 20-year-old playmaker — who made a highly publicised midseason switch from the Wests Tigers to the Bulldogs — has been sent for scans to determine the extent of the damage, with Nine’s Danny Weidler breaking the news on social media on Monday night.
The timing couldn’t be worse for the Bulldogs, who face a crucial Round 23 clash against the New Zealand Warriors on Saturday night — with both sides battling to cement their place in the top four.
Speaking on Nine’s 100% Footy, Bulldogs general manager of football Phil Gould admitted there were genuine concerns over Galvin’s injuries.
MORE: ‘Pushed out’: Tigers great reveals what really lead to Galvin’s exit
“They don't send you for scans if you don't have anything to worry about,” Gould said.
“I'm not the doctor, I don't read the medical reports.”
If the young halfback is sidelined, head coach Cameron Ciraldo will once again face tough decisions as he re-evaluates his options in the halves.
To many, Toby Sexton is the most likely replacement for Galvin to partner with Matt Burton in the halves, having started the season as the Bulldogs’ starting halfback before Galvin’s midseason arrival.
Another option is Bailey Hayward, who has occasionally stepped into the halfback role during his time with the club.
However, rising teenage talent Mitchell Woods emerges as a potential wildcard after being named 18th man against the Tigers over the weekend, a clear sign that Ciraldo believes he is close to making his NRL debut.