Galvin’s New Club: Two Hot Favourites, Yet Gus’ Roosters Swipe May Come Back to Bite
The NRL’s most sought-after rising star, Lachlan Galvin, has officially declared his intentions to leave the Wests Tigers — and the battle for his signature has kicked into overdrive. While the Sydney Roosters and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have emerged as the hot favourites to land the 18-year-old playmaker, Phil Gould’s recent jab at the Roosters may come back to haunt the Bulldogs in this high-stakes pursuit.
Galvin, whose breakout performances in 2024 for a struggling Tigers side caught the eye of every major club, was granted permission to explore his options after growing increasingly frustrated with the club’s internal instability. His management cited concerns around the Tigers’ direction, coaching changes, and the lack of a clear development pathway for young talent.
The Favourites: Roosters and Bulldogs Lead the Pack
According to multiple reports, the Roosters and Bulldogs have emerged as the frontrunners for Galvin’s signature. Both clubs have put together compelling pitches, offering the promise of stability, high-calibre rosters, and established coaching systems that can nurture Galvin into an elite NRL half.
The Roosters, led by Trent Robinson, have long been viewed as a destination club for marquee talent. With James Tedesco approaching the twilight of his career and Luke Keary contemplating retirement, Galvin could be seen as a long-term partner for Sam Walker in the halves. The club’s success in developing spine players adds to their appeal.
The Bulldogs, on the other hand, have undergone a remarkable transformation under Cameron Ciraldo and Phil “Gus” Gould. With a rebuilt forward pack, young stars like Matt Burton and Stephen Crichton, and a culture shift driving them into top-eight contention, Canterbury could offer Galvin a starring role from day one. Gould’s vision of restoring the Bulldogs to their former glory has already attracted key players — and Galvin could be the next jewel in their crown.
Gould’s Swipe at the Roosters: Risky or Strategic?
However, Gould’s recent comments about the Roosters may complicate matters. Speaking on 100% Footy last week, Gould took a veiled shot at the Tricolours, saying, “Some clubs think they can just buy their way out of anything. That’s not development, that’s desperation.”
While he didn’t name the Roosters directly, the timing and context of his remarks — coinciding with the Roosters being heavily linked to Galvin — left little doubt. The Roosters were reportedly unimpressed, and some insiders suggest it may galvanize (no pun intended) them to outbid the Bulldogs and make a point.
NRL legend Andrew Johns weighed in on Wide World of Sports, saying: “If I’m Galvin, I’m ignoring the noise. Both clubs offer something unique — the Roosters give you a shot at silverware now, the Bulldogs give you a team to grow with. But let’s not pretend the Roosters haven’t been brilliant at bringing through young talent too.”
Where Does Galvin Fit Best?
Galvin’s skill set — a composed kicking game, natural leadership, and the ability to unlock defensive lines — would make him a fit in almost any NRL spine. But questions remain about whether the Roosters’ current structure gives him enough room to be a dominant playmaker, especially with Walker still finding his rhythm post-injury.
At the Bulldogs, Galvin could step into the No. 6 jersey, with Matt Burton shifting to centre or fullback — a move many fans have long called for. His development could be fast-tracked with more ball in hand and the support of a team still on the rise.
Both clubs have the cap space and the infrastructure. Galvin’s decision may ultimately come down to trust — in the vision, the coaching staff, and the pathway to premiership glory.
The Tigers Factor: Damage Already Done?
The Tigers, for their part, have expressed disappointment but not surprise at Galvin’s departure. The club recently underwent another overhaul in its football department and coaching staff, but for many close to the situation, it was “too little, too late.”
Galvin’s relationship with the Tigers had reportedly soured as early as mid-2024, with internal miscommunications and a lack of strategic clarity from the top fueling his desire to leave.
Tigers fans will be heartbroken to lose yet another homegrown prodigy — the latest in a growing list that includes Ryan Papenhuyzen, Josh Addo-Carr, and James Tedesco. The club now faces the uphill task of convincing fans and future juniors that their pathway is viable.
Final Decision Looming
Galvin is expected to make his decision within the next fortnight, with both clubs preparing final presentations. Whichever team secures him will be acquiring not just a potential game-breaker, but a future face of their franchise.
For Phil Gould and the Bulldogs, it’s a chance to double down on a bold rebuild. For the Roosters, it’s about reloading for another premiership push. And for Lachlan Galvin, it’s the most important decision of his young career — one that could reshape the NRL landscape for years to come.
One thing’s certain: Gus’ swipe at the Roosters has added spice to what was already shaping up to be the NRL’s recruitment battle of the year.
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