LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Kevin Walters, former Broncos coach, advises Wests Tigers star Lachie Galvin to choose Parramatta over Canterbury as he navigates his imminent NRL future.
Michael Ennis notes that Galvin's willingness to leave the Tigers may indicate significant issues for the team, referring to it as a "massive 'clip' for Benji Marshall's side." The Bulldogs have emerged as leading contenders for Galvin's services, having reportedly granted him an immediate release despite his contract lasting another season.
Recent reports suggest both Parramatta and Canterbury have submitted offers around $750,000 a season for the young player.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, both clubs met with Galvin's representatives this week, with an announcement about his future expected soon.
The Tigers will permit his departure if a club pays a $165,000 transfer fee.
Galvin, who grew up in the Parramatta area and is a lifelong Eels supporter, appears to have a strong connection to the team.
With incumbent five-eighth Dylan Brown moving to Newcastle on a substantial 10-year, $13 million contract, the Eels have an opening for Galvin.
He could potentially form a strong halves partnership with Eels skipper Mitchell Moses, a factor Walters emphasizes: "Parramatta, it makes more sense for him to go to Parramatta...
if you're a young five-eighth and you're looking for someone to tag up with, (it's) Mitchell Moses," Walters told Fox League.
"I'd be leaning towards that."
While Galvin also has ties to the Bulldogs, particularly through his former teacher Luke Vella, the situation there is less favorable for him.
At Canterbury, the expected strong hold that Matt Burton has on the five-eighth position complicates things.
The most plausible scenario at the Bulldogs would be Galvin taking over the No.
7 jersey from Toby Sexton, especially as GM of football Phil Gould has not secured the off-contract halfback's position.
However, Ennis holds a different perspective, expressing a "gut feeling" that Galvin might ultimately end up at Canterbury, alongside the guidance of coach Cameron Ciraldo.
The decision day for Galvin's future in the NRL is fast approaching, with significant implications for both his career and the teams vying for his signature.