James Maloney, a dual premiership winner in the NRL, has unleashed a scathing critique of the Canterbury Bulldogs' performance in the 2026 season. Maloney's comments come as the Bulldogs struggle to live up to their previous success, with a recent unconvincing 14-12 victory over the injury-hit Eels. Maloney's insight is particularly intriguing, as he highlights a potential issue that goes beyond the young half, Lachlan Galvin, who is playing out of position.
Maloney's perspective is that Galvin is not suited for the halfback role and should be moved to a more natural position, such as five-eighth or lock. This criticism is not just about Galvin's individual performance but also about the team's overall attacking structure. Maloney argues that the Bulldogs' current approach is too sideways and lacks the punch needed to score more points.
He emphasizes the importance of playing direct and through the middle, utilizing ruck speed and compressing the defense. Maloney believes that the game's evolution demands a more dynamic approach, and the Bulldogs' current strategy is not keeping up with this trend. The team's attack has indeed suffered, with a significant drop in points scored per game from 2025 to 2026.
Maloney's commentary extends to the team's spine, suggesting that the Bulldogs should consider different personnel to improve their attacking deficiencies. He mentions the potential of players like Alex Conti from the NSW Cup and calls for a more experimental approach to the spine. Maloney's former halves partner, Chad Townsend, supports this view, urging the Bulldogs to give Sean O'Sullivan a chance and end the Galvin halfback experiment.
The Bulldogs have two weeks to address these concerns before facing a formidable Manly side in Round 16. Maloney's analysis highlights the need for a strategic shift in the team's attacking structure and spine personnel to regain their competitive edge. His insights provide a critical perspective on the Bulldogs' current challenges, offering fans and analysts a deeper understanding of the team's struggles.
