Muzzled Dog – why Canterbury players applaud club decision to keep Lachie Galvin out of spotlight

Bulldogs back rower Jacob Preston will line up on Galvin’s right edge, and was another grateful the club had taken the steps to look after the former Tiger.

“You saw last year the amount of media around Lachie, it was crazy, but he did a really good job staying focused and worrying about the main thing, which was playing his own game,” Preston said.

“I can’t wait to get out there with him this week. We’ve had a massive pre-season; he’s had one of the most impressive pre-seasons I’ve seen. He leads the way with his fitness, he goes after everything, and improving every aspect of his game.

“I can’t wait to see him show everyone the hard work he’s put in.”

The Dragons are ready to put some kick pressure on Galvin and halves partner Matt Burton, with back rower Luciano Leilua telling this masthead during the week: “Lachie Galvin is a freakish young player, he’s got a good kicking game, but we need to get into him physically.”

But Preston said Galvin would hold his own.

Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo has been one of Galvin’s biggest supporters, but was careful with his words when it came to discussing the biggest benefits from a full pre-season.

“I think every player benefits from a good pre-season, everyone turns up to get fitter, faster and stronger, but with all the learning you do, hopefully you become a smarter player and smarter team by the end of the pre-season, and that’s what I’ve seen from every player,” Ciraldo said.

Pressed on Galvin and his combination with Burton, Ciraldo said: “Not every session has been perfect, but we come in, we review it, and the way they’ve learned and executed better the next day, that’s been the most impressive thing.”

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The Dogs head into the opening round with the most hype, but Ciraldo welcomed the pressure. They are arguably the only club in Vegas with a strong push of winning the title. They crashed out to Penrith last year in the semi-finals.

“If we can’t deal with the hype 1772080403, we’re not much chance of being there at the end of the year,” Ciraldo said.

“Gus told me it was a big club before I got here, I had no idea until I got here, and to see the blue and white jerseys up and down the [Vegas] strip, and so many fans here now [at a fan day], I feel really blessed to be a part of the club. Hopefully, we can make it feel like a home game this weekend.”

Burton made the news when he kicked a ball into the roof at the Las Vegas Raiders’ indoor training stadium, but Ciraldo said he was hardly surprised.

As for Burton launching his famous bombs during games, Ciraldo smiled and said: “Right time, right place. He’s got the licence to do it, but we know what our style of game looks like.”