Andrew Johns delivers a scathing verdict on Lachlan Galvin, intensifying scrutiny on the struggling Bulldogs.

Andrew Johns has asserted that Lachlan Galvin is not suited to the role of an NRL halfback but would be better positioned as a long-term five-eighth. His remarks followed a lacklustre performance from Canterbury against Brisbane.

The rugby league Immortal is of the opinion that coach Cameron Ciraldo should “make the call” on promising young halfback Mitchell Woods as soon as the 19-year-old returns from a hamstring injury.

After Canterbury’s defeat to Brisbane, with a score of 32-12 on Friday night, Ciraldo defended his choice to retain Galvin at halfback. He highlighted Galvin’s man-of-the-match display in the surprising victory over the Panthers in round six, stating, “He’s a 20-year-old halfback at this moment.”

Speaking on Nine’s The Sunday Footy Show, Johns challenged Ciraldo’s reasoning.

“Matt Burton is an unequivocally talented five-eighth. He’s a dynamic five-eighth. If you’re going to have a big running five-eighth, you need an on-the-ball halfback who can manage everything,” Johns explained.

“We know Lachie Galvin is developing his game. Personally, I see him more as a future five-eighth. He desires the ball, but there’s still a lot for him to comprehend in his game.

“He has a tendency to play too often to Jacob Preston on the right side, and while he’s still learning, I envisage him as a pure five-eighth in the long run.

“This raises questions about Matt Burton’s position and the future of Mitch Woods, the promising talent they’re all excited about. Although Woods hasn’t played all season due to hamstring issues, it’s a matter of when, not if, the Bulldogs introduce the former NSW under-19s halfback and Australian Schoolboys star.

Johns believes that bringing the prodigy into first grade once fit wouldn’t pose much risk.

“I don’t see it as a significant gamble since they’ve invested so much into his development over the past couple of years,” the iconic halfback remarked.

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Canterbury only registered their first points against the Broncos in the 56th minute, and this was while Brisbane were down a man with Preston Riki in the sin bin.

Only one team in the NRL has scored fewer points this season than the Bulldogs, and that’s the struggling Dragons, who are currently rooted to the bottom of the table.

With Woods still unavailable, Ciraldo might consider shifting Galvin to five-eighth, moving Burton into the centres, and selecting Sean O’Sullivan as halfback.

“The Bulldogs are faltering in the creative areas, and that comes down to the spine,” Johns added.

“They are lacking that direct run out of dummy-half. Jake Turpin was there against Brisbane, but he is mainly a distributor. Bailey Hayward is tough as nails, but he too is a distributor, meaning there’s no real threat of running from dummy-half.

“And Galvin? I’m not convinced he’s a true halfback, which brings the focus back to Mitch Woods and how he fits into the picture.”

Brad Fittler holds Woods in high regard.

“He can play at fullback or halfback – he’s one of those guys with immense skills and awareness,” Fittler said.

“However, he’s been sidelined with injury.”

Billy Slater suggests that a “short-term solution” for the Bulldogs would be “to excel in the fundamentals of the game”.

“It’s the same for Melbourne and all teams currently struggling,” Slater commented.

“Look at the Brisbane Broncos; they’re not discussing changes like, ‘Let’s switch this player out, and that will resolve it’. Sure, that’s an option, but fundamentally, it’s about the players’ mentality and their ability to maintain intensity over long periods. That’s the quick fix.”

The Bulldogs, currently sitting 10th on the ladder, are set to clash with the eighth-placed Cowboys at Accor Stadium on Friday night.