Easter Monday Clash Heats Up Amid Moses Return and Galvin Drama
The highly anticipated Easter Monday NRL clash is set to take on new significance with a double twist involving Parramatta and Wests Tigers.
Parramatta are poised for a major boost with star halfback and captain Mitchell Moses on track to make an earlier-than-expected return from injury, while reports suggest Lachie Galvin is set to be dropped from Benji Marshall’s Tigers squad. The added twist? The Eels are now leading the race to sign Galvin once he departs the Tigers at the end of his contract in 2026, intensifying the intrigue around the Round 7 showdown.
Moses Set for Early Return
Moses has been sidelined for the start of the 2025 season due to a stress reaction in his troublesome left foot, with his initial recovery timeline targeting a return in Round 9. However, thanks to a longer break between Rounds 6 and 7—and a bye in Round 8—the playmaker is expected to return earlier than planned, with The Sydney Morning Herald reporting he’ll be named to face the Tigers.
Last week, Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos hinted at a potential Round 7 return, saying, “As it stands, Mitch is definitely on track to return for round nine. But subject to how the next couple of weeks go, there may be an outside chance of round seven.”
Sarantinos also stressed the importance of ensuring Moses is fully fit before returning to avoid re-injury. “When we get him back, we want to have him back for the rest of the year. I think if you asked Mitch, he’d want to play tomorrow. But sometimes the medical staff have to save him from himself.”
Turmoil at the Tigers as Galvin Set to Be Axed
While Moses’ return is a major boost for the Eels, headlines have been dominated by a bombshell from the Tigers camp: Lachie Galvin will not remain at the club beyond the 2026 season after rejecting a lucrative $5 million extension. The 19-year-old’s camp has reportedly told the club that he has lost confidence in coach Benji Marshall’s ability to develop his game.
Veteran broadcaster Phil Gould called the situation “extraordinary” and “untenable,” while NRL great Cameron Smith believes the Tigers will ultimately release Galvin before his contract expires.
“If there was ever a player that came out and spoke about that, I’d be happy for them to move on,” Smith said on 100% Footy. “If the Tigers get the chance to find a replacement, I don’t think Galvin will be there next year. That might be the best outcome for both parties.”
The Herald reports that Marshall is set to drop Galvin for the Eels clash, with Adam Doueihi expected to slot into the No.6 role. Meanwhile, Tigers fans are calling for the club to fast-track Latu Fainu’s development in that position. Though currently sidelined with a broken thumb, Fainu is viewed as Galvin’s long-term successor.
A Defining Moment for the Tigers
The decision to part ways with Galvin marks a pivotal moment for the Tigers and coach Benji Marshall. Supporters are backing a bold approach, arguing no individual should be placed above the team.
“We’re better off moving forward with players who are fully committed,” one fan wrote. “We’ve done it with Bateman and Papali’i. Now it’s time to do the same with Galvin. With Fainu ready to step up, we’ll have a united and motivated team.”
With drama unfolding on and off the field, all eyes will be on Accor Stadium this Easter Monday. Whether it’s Moses’ comeback or Galvin’s absence that makes the bigger impact, one thing is certain: this clash is set to be one of the most intriguing of the season.
