Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Canterbury Bulldogs spine talk has intensified after Luke Keary predicted Cameron Ciraldo will reshape the club’s key playmaking positions before their next premiership push.
The former NRL star made the call on NRL 360 after Canterbury Bulldogs moved Stephen Crichton from centre into the halves and shifted Matt Burton back to the centres against Manly Sea Eagles. The debate matters because the Bulldogs are still searching for the right mix at fullback, five-eighth, halfback and hooker as they chase their first premiership since 2004.
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Keary Predicts Spine Reset
“We will see a new Bulldogs spine. I can guarantee you there will be a new nine, seven, six and one,” Keary said on NRL 360.
“Galvin will be the six. They need to find a seven. Whether it’s (Alex) Conti or (Mitchell) Woods or need to get one.
“I think Connor Tracey will move to maybe a 14 role. The whole thing will be turned over. (Freddy Lussick) will be their nine because they haven’t got one at the moment.”
Ciraldo has already made key calls by signing Lachlan Galvin and moving on Toby Sexton and Reed Mahoney. Those decisions have left Canterbury Bulldogs with more flexibility, but also more questions around the long-term shape of the side.
Crichton Move Fuels Debate
Crichton’s move into the halves helped Canterbury Bulldogs win in golden point against Manly Sea Eagles, but Keary said the role looked more like halfback than five-eighth.
“In my opinion, he’s not playing six, he’s playing seven,” Keary added on Crichton’s move to partner Galvin in the halves.
“He played halfback on the weekend. He ran the ball three times and did all the organising for them. He did all the kicking.
“He had 15 kicks to Galvin’s five and he didn’t run the ball. He played halfback.
“He was their number seven, and Galvin played as their number six. He is their best option at seven - the best organiser.
“Galvin is their long-term six so they need to find a seven.”