Galvin’s Exit Sparks NRL Frenzy as Parramatta Emerges Favourite for Rising Star
Lachlan Galvin’s decision to reject a record-breaking extension from the Wests Tigers has sent shockwaves through the NRL, with rival clubs now on high alert for one of the game’s brightest young talents.
The Tigers confirmed on Monday that the 19-year-old playmaker will not be staying at the club beyond the 2026 season, despite being offered a monumental five-year, $5 million deal—the largest ever tabled to a junior by the club. Galvin and his management have reportedly declined the offer outright, and the club announced that he will see out his contract but not beyond.
“Despite the club having the largest contract offer for a junior in the history of the club on the table, Lachlan and his management have decided his future lies elsewhere and were not willing to review the offer,” the club said.
“It should be noted that the club has no intention of releasing Lachlan from his contract, and he has not requested this. The club is disappointed, but we move on.”
The announcement has sparked speculation across the league, with Galvin set to become one of the most in-demand players once he’s free to negotiate from November 1. League legend Andrew Johns is among those who expect Galvin to fetch offers of at least $1 million per season, calling him “one of the best young five-eighths in the game.”
Eels Loom as Likely Destination
Fueling the buzz is Galvin’s childhood connection to the Parramatta Eels, who have emerged as early frontrunners for his signature. Fans noticed the young star recently liked a passionate Instagram post from a supporter urging him to “come home” and “end the premiership drought” at Parramatta.
The timing could not be better for the Eels, who are set to free up salary cap space following Dylan Brown’s massive 10-year, $13 million move to Newcastle. Pairing Galvin with Mitch Moses—who recently re-signed long-term—would give the Eels a formidable halves partnership for years to come.
Johns believes it’s only a matter of time before Galvin ends up in blue and gold.
“We’re talking hypothetically, but if Galvin goes to the Eels, the first offer will be $1 million,” Johns said on Immortal Behaviour.
“There’s a shortage of elite halves, and he’s a 15-year playmaker in the making. Clubs will throw everything at him.”
Not Everyone in the Race
However, not all clubs are expected to join the race. Nine’s Danny Weidler reported that the Sydney Roosters have ruled themselves out of contention, citing an unwillingness to work with Galvin’s manager, Isaac Moses.
“The Roosters refuse to deal with Isaac Moses, and that effectively rules them out of the running for Galvin,” Weidler said.
Manly could also consider Galvin a successor to veteran halfback Daly Cherry-Evans, who is expected to depart at the end of the season. But the Sea Eagles are believed to be prioritizing other targets, such as Raiders playmaker Jamal Fogarty, while also investing in their own youth talent.
As Galvin’s stock rises and his future remains uncertain, what is clear is that his looming departure from the Tigers is already reshaping the NRL transfer market. The battle for his signature is heating up—and it’s only just begun.
