Maitua proposes postional change for Galvin to solve Bulldogs' spine issues

With Canterbury-Bankstown’s season all but over, Reni Maitua believes the club should consider moving Lachlan Galvin into the fullback role to make the most of his skillset.

For much of this year, the Bulldogs' spine has been a point of contention amongst its fanbase.

Having started the year with Matt Burton in as five-eighth, coach Cameron Ciraldo decided to move him into the centres, which saw captain Stephen Crichton and Sean O’Sullivan in the No. 6 jersey since Round 17 alongside Galvin at halfback.

But despite some initial success with the move, winning four of their first five games since the switch, they have now lost their last two, putting a massive dent into their finals hopes.

Speaking before their 22-6 loss against the Rabbitohs on Friday night, the 2004 Premiership winner with the Dogs suggested that with Galvin’s size and skillset geared towards running with the ball, he would be capable of making an impact at the fullback position.

“I look at the Bulldogs (and I) look at their spine, where they're lacking,” Maitua told SEN’s The Run Home with Joel and Fletch.

“For me, I thought the problem can be solved with someone that's already in their roster.  

“So, everyone keeps looking at Galvin (who) needs to be improved to become a great (No.) 7.

“I'm looking (at) what he's already elite at. He's 190 centimetres, an unbelievable engine, averaging 120 metres as a halfback; he plays instinctively, he's already creating tries and line breaks.

 “You put him at fullback, he has freedom to roam, he supports through the middle, he can be that second playmaker.

“So what my take was is that you've got a player there that can already cover that fullback position.

“Instead of spending $700,000-800,000 on going to find a fullback, maybe use him in the spine as a fullback."

The Bulldogs are up against the Dragons next week at Allianz Stadium.