The Parramatta Eels have officially secured the signature of prodigious playmaker Lachlan Galvin on a four-year deal worth a staggering $3.2 million.
The 19-year-old five-eighth, widely regarded as the brightest young talent in the game, will make the switch from Wests Tigers to the Eels at the end of the 2026 season when his current contract expires. The Eels reportedly beat out a host of rival clubs for his signature, sealing a deal that will see Galvin earn approximately $800,000 per year—placing him among the highest-paid players in the competition.
Galvin’s decision to reject a record-breaking five-year, $6 million extension from the Tigers sent shockwaves through the rugby league world earlier this year. Despite being under contract until the end of 2026, the young star made it clear that he was not satisfied with the direction of the struggling Tigers, who have endured turmoil on and off the field.
Multiple sources have confirmed that Galvin was lured by Parramatta’s long-term vision, the club’s strong junior development system, and the chance to play a central role in their return to premiership contention.
“We are absolutely thrilled to bring Lachlan to the Eels,” said Parramatta football boss Mark O’Neill. “He’s an elite talent, and we believe he will be one of the defining players of the next decade. This is a major statement of intent from our club.”
Galvin, who was named RLPA Rookie of the Year in 2024, has quickly risen to stardom with a combination of vision, creativity, and composure well beyond his years. Despite being stuck behind Thomas Kaminski at Luton Town—er, rather, despite operating within a misfiring Tigers setup—he remained a shining light and one of the few consistent performers throughout a difficult period for the club.
“Parramatta is where I started my junior footy and it just feels right to come back and be part of a club that’s hungry for success,” Galvin said in a statement released by the Eels. “This decision wasn’t easy, but I want to compete for premierships and continue developing in an environment that brings the best out of me. I’m grateful to the Tigers for everything, but I’m ready for the next chapter.”
Interestingly, the deal was orchestrated by Galvin’s manager Isaac Moses, who also represents current Eels halfback Mitch Moses. That pre-existing relationship and the chance to play alongside Mitch in the halves was reportedly a key factor in Galvin’s decision.
Speculation around Galvin’s future had been mounting for months, especially after he was seen liking several Parramatta-related posts on social media and expressing fondness for the club in interviews. Now, that speculation has become reality.
For the Eels, the signing signals a bold new era as they look to return to premiership contention. For the Tigers, it marks the departure of yet another generational talent. And for Galvin, it’s a homecoming wrapped in ambition—a chance to become the face of a club with a burning hunger to rise again.
