Benji Marshall Backs Lachlan Galvin Ahead of Crucial Match
Benji Marshall has publicly supported Lachlan Galvin ahead of the Wests Tigers’ upcoming clash against the Canterbury Bulldogs. Marshall believes that the young playmaker has been unfairly criticized despite his strong performances at his new club.
Galvin has faced scrutiny since his move from the Tigers to the Bulldogs, with some critics suggesting that his arrival disrupted the team’s momentum. The Bulldogs were considered premiership favorites in 2025 before falling out of contention, and some have attributed this decline to the changes caused by Galvin’s inclusion in the squad. This shift led to the loss of key players such as Toby Sexton and Reed Mahoney.
Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo has repeatedly dismissed these claims, and the pressure on the club’s performance continues to mount. Marshall, Galvin’s former Tigers coach, quickly defended the 20-year-old, praising both his performances and his ability to handle the external noise.
“Galvin’s copped a bit of criticism,” Marshall said to the media on Thursday. “But he’s actually been going very well for [the Bulldogs].”
Despite the criticism, Galvin’s individual stats remain impressive. The halfback has averaged 119 run metres this season, along with six try assists, 12 line break assists, and four tries.
Marshall also highlighted the performance of Jacob Kiraz, who played an outstanding game at fullback in last week’s upset win over the Melbourne Storm. Connor Tracey was sidelined due to a hamstring injury, but Kiraz stepped up, showcasing his talent with six tackle breaks and 297 run metres.
“Jacob Kiraz has been very underrated,” Marshall said. His performance demonstrated his versatility and potential as a key player for the Bulldogs.
Tigers Aim to End Losing Streak
The Tigers are entering Saturday’s match with a strong desire to break their three-game losing streak. They have received a timely boost in terms of injuries following last week’s bye. Api Koroisau, Jahream Bula, Alex Twal, and Haemasi Makasini have all been named to return, giving Marshall’s side a chance to rediscover the defensive edge that defined their strong start to the season.
“We started the season off with a real grit in our defence,” Marshall began. “Over the past three games, we’ve sort of let that defence intensity slide.”
With both teams looking to stabilize their seasons, the upcoming clash between the Bulldogs and the Tigers promises to be a highly anticipated match. Fans will be watching closely to see if either side can turn their fortunes around.
