Your giving Richo credit for that is pure fantasy. It is a happy coincidence.
We wanted Galvin and went all in on him. Our reaction derailed our own season as well.
The bulldogs plan was always November 1. So its not fantasy to suggest that putting the bulldogs in the predicament mid-season, which didn't align with their plan, played it's part in what happened next. If they didn't have to snap him up mid season, they continue with sexton in the halves.. you can't deny that.
And yes, it had an adverse effect on our season - the kid we built the team around left mid season... I am sure most teams would also have issues in this situation.
But don't be so naive to think that if Galvin stayed, and we were on the brink of the 8, that it wouldn't have completely derailed our season when the media leaks started to come to light..
I stand by what Richo did in "popping the pimple".. if he didn't, we'd have finished 2025 with Galvin in the halves and no idea what 2026 looked like.. Jarome would still be playing 7.. it worked out better for us long term ...
So on paper - the tigers are in a better position going into 2026, whilst the bulldogs have outsmarted themselves and thrown away any shot at a premiership in 2025... If they didn't drop sexton, that final would have been played at Accor.. they probably beat the storm...
I acknowledge that I am drawing alot of long bows, but none of this bulldogs derailment takes place if Richo waited until November 1. That's my take anyway