There is growing belief that Lachlan Galvin won’t be in Tigers colours next season despite the club and player’s public assertion that the 19-year-old will honour his current deal which ends at the end of 2026.
FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer >
Galvin has confirmed that he won’t re-sign with the Tigers, meaning that on November 1, he’s able to negotiate with rival clubs.
However, that process could be “fast-tracked” given the Tigers know he’s on the way out anyway, according to Fox League’s James Hooper.
“I think at the Tigers, there is obviously a legal standoff at the moment, but most people around the game think that the Tigers are now coming to the belief, and I don’t like saying it because I would have liked if they stood on their digs and said a contract stands for something, but I don’t think a contract is going to stand for something (here),” Hooper said on NRL360.
“I think Lachlan Galvin will be at the different club next year.”
At this stage, it appears it’s a race between the Bulldogs and Eels for Galvin’s signature.
Hooper penned in his Wednesday column that based on the reasons why Galvin is looking for a new club, the Bulldogs should be a much more likely destination.
“I think it makes sense that all roads lead to Canterbury because everything we’ve heard out of camp, was the decision was going to be about where he could best improve his football development,” Hooper said on NRL360.
“You look at the Dogs at the moment and whether it’s experienced players like Stephen Crichton, or emerging rookies like Bailey Hayward, Ciraldo has this team absolutely humming.
“He’s (Galvin) come out and said I want to be the best educated footballer I can possibly become. I want to try and win premierships, it’s not about money.”
Captain Critta? Next NSW skipper debate | 01:24
MORE NRL NEWS
HOOPS: Crystal ball on Galvin’s future is getting clearer … this is when it’ll happen
ELITE: He cost them a bomb, but Fogarty officially signs with Manly after tug of war
‘STATEMENT’: How Cronk would have handled Mam’s return differently to Broncos
RD 11 TEAMS ANALYSIS: Broncos’ huge Mam call as Cowboys swing the axe
The Daily Telegraph’s Dave Riccio meanwhile, firmly believes the Eels are the “even money favourites” to land Galvin.
“I still think all roads lead to Parramatta for Lachlan Galvin,” Riccio said.
“Playing alongside Mitchell Moses is an appeal.
“The Eels are my even money favourites.”
“I find that strange. They’re running last,” Hooper interjected.
“What’s their appeal?”
Riccio then went onto explain why he thinks the Eels are more likely than the Dogs, pointing to the latter’s roster.
“I come back to the Dogs and I know how much they believe in the development of Bailey Hayward as a half and a talented young player in their lower grades called Mitchell Woods,” Riccio said.
“I saw what Bailey Hayward did when he stepped up in the second half against the Raiders. He took more of a dominant playmakeing role than Toby Sexton did and I firmly believe that this bloke is the short to medium term focus for the Dogs in the halves.”
While there is plenty of water to go under the bridge yet, there is a feeling at the Tigers that Galvin won’t be there next year.
That has forced the club to look to potential halves replacements. Broncos star Adam Reynolds, who is at this stage without a contract for 2026, has been raised as an option.
Hooper asked if that means Galvin will have to wait for November 1 to start negotiating with rivals, which is the beginning of the recruitment period.
“I think it’s when the Tigers find their answer,” Ricco answered before revealing the link that could lead to a Reynolds-Tigers union.
“There is an increasing belief that this is all coming to an end this season. Lachie Galvin will finish up at the Tigers this year to the point that the club is looking for a replacement next year which is why Adam Reynolds’ name has come up. He’s been linked to the club.
“(Tigers CEO) Shane Richardson’s son looks after Adam Reynolds’ sponsorship arrangements. There is a natural relationship there.
“Reyno was the half for Souths when Richo was the CEO.”
However, Hooper poured cold water on the Reynolds-Tigers rumours, believing the half wants to remain in Brisbane to finish his career.
“My understanding is he wants to stay at the Broncos. He’s settled up there, he’s family is happy and he’s happy with what they’re building.”
