Lachlan Galvin has reportedly been granted permission to explore options with rival NRL clubs, with growing speculation that he could make an early departure from the Wests Tigers. Though contracted through the end of 2025, Galvin is expected to be playing elsewhere by next season — and a mid-year switch remains possible. Any club seeking to secure his services early would likely need to offer a transfer fee or player swap, as the Tigers are planning to partner Jarome Luai with Latu Fainu long-term.
Potential Destinations for Lachlan Galvin
Parramatta Eels
Parramatta stands out as the most likely destination for Galvin, especially after losing Dylan Brown to the Newcastle Knights for next season. The Eels now have the cap space to accommodate a marquee playmaker and could offer Galvin a return to his junior club.
Pairing Galvin with Mitchell Moses would be a natural fit — with Moses directing play at halfback and Galvin playing as a free-running five-eighth. The Eels have committed to Moses long-term but are rebuilding under new coach Jason Ryles. Young talents like Isaiah Iongi, Will Penisini, and Luca Moretti offer promise, but the team currently sits near the bottom of the ladder.
CODE Sports reporter David Riccio recently told NRL 360, “I still think all roads lead to Parramatta,” while Fox League’s James Hooper questioned Galvin’s interest in a struggling club: “They’re last — what’s the appeal?”
If the Eels want Galvin now, Brown would need to be released early to join Newcastle — a deal that may hinge on the Knights offloading Jackson Hastings, who’s on $800,000 a season and out of the NRL squad. Hastings has been linked with a move back to England, potentially to Leeds Rhinos.
Meanwhile, Parramatta re-signed backup half Ronald Volkman through 2025 and have Dean Hawkins on the books as well.
Canterbury Bulldogs
Galvin has personal ties to the Bulldogs, notably assistant coach Luke Vella, who mentored him at Westfields High. Galvin even sports a tattoo inspired by Vella’s motto: “It’s not for everyone.”
Fitting Galvin into the Bulldogs line-up is a little trickier. Matt Burton currently plays at five-eighth — the same position — though he could shift to the centres. Bailey Hayward is another emerging halfback option, while the club also boasts rising stars like Mitchell Woods, Cassius Tia, and Joseph O’Neill.
There’s also ongoing uncertainty around halfback Toby Sexton, who remains unsigned for 2026. Despite playing a key role in the Bulldogs’ strong season, contract talks have stalled — increasing speculation that the club may pivot to Galvin, especially with GM Phil Gould being an outspoken admirer of the 19-year-old.
James Hooper believes the Bulldogs are a logical fit, particularly given Ciraldo’s development of players like Stephen Crichton and Bailey Hayward:
“Galvin wants to be the most educated footballer he can be. He’s chasing premierships, not paychecks,” Hooper said.
However, Riccio remains skeptical, noting Hayward’s impressive rise and Mitchell Woods’ long-term potential:
“Hayward was more dominant than Sexton in the second half against the Raiders. He’s the short-to-mid-term plan for the Dogs.”
Sydney Roosters
Though the Roosters haven’t been heavily linked with Galvin, recent comments from Daly Cherry-Evans about his future sparked intrigue. DCE has been rumored to sign a $1 million deal with the Roosters, but nothing is official yet, and the Dolphins remain in the picture.
While Cherry-Evans (36) would offer short-term premiership experience alongside Sam Walker, a Galvin-Walker pairing (ages 19 and 22) could form the foundation of a long-term dynasty. If the Roosters opt to invest in youth, Galvin might be a more strategic choice.
Phil Gould has questioned the logic of a DCE signing, saying it could stunt Walker’s development:
“I don’t see why the Roosters would block Walker’s growth by bringing in DCE to run the team.”
Should the Roosters pivot to Galvin, they’d join a strong squad that includes Origin hooker Reece Robson (arriving from the Cowboys) and veteran fullback James Tedesco. The club also has young playmakers like Sandon Smith, Hugo Savala, and prospect Toby Rodwell — assets that might appeal to the Tigers in a trade.
However, one major stumbling block could be Galvin’s agent, Isaac Moses. Roosters boss Nick Politis is known to avoid dealings with Moses due to past disputes, which could hinder any potential move.
In summary, Galvin’s next move is still uncertain, but the Eels, Bulldogs, and possibly the Roosters all present intriguing — albeit complex — scenarios for the highly rated teenage star.
