‘They were right’: Gould fires back over bombshell Bulldogs axing that still has fans angry

Canterbury Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould has defended the club's 2025 decision to drop halfback Toby Sexton for newcomer Lachlan Galvin. Responding to critical supporters on social media platform X, Gould stated that club data supported the coaching staff's decision and insisted that coach Cameron Ciraldo acted in the team's best interests. Sexton was axed while Canterbury sat third on the ladder following a seven-week try assist drought.

The Bulldogs went on to win just four of their final 10 games before exiting the 2025 finals in straight sets. Gould argued that severe injuries to key players, including captain Stephen Crichton, caused the late-season collapse rather than tactical changes. Sexton subsequently signed with French Super League side Catalans Dragons before agreeing to join the Perth Bears for 2027.