Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[liltiger]

A guy who defends his patch as well as he does is not heartless.
In fact you don’t make NRL and stay there for 9 seasons in the toughest of positions without courage, determination and skill.

He's one of those guys every team needs just a middle defensive workhorse, doesn't bust the line but takes a hit up to give the lads a break, doesn't rattle bones on tackles but makes his tackles, isn't the quickest but hardly misses a tackle. He is just super reliable, he won't win you a game but I can't really remember him costing us one either. Every team needs a Twal to fill a gap in their line somewhere.

 

[Canberratiger]

Can you watch NRL on the Kayo standard?

Yeah. the only difference is that on Kayo One (the lower one) you can't watch in 4k and you can only have one screen going. In Kayo Basic (the higher one) you can watch 2 streams and have 4k when it is available. I have the Tigers digital membership which is Kayo One for 12 months for $240. So a bit of a discount and you can pay the difference to bump it up to Basic if you want.

 

[Tito Santana]

I’m not sure what all of the hype is about Galvin and his contract or him walking away (in 2027 mind you). He is a 19-year-old and although he made a significant impact on a wooden spoon team in his debut NRL season he is far from the finished product and frankly hasn’t delivered enough to be rewarded with the $ being spoken about.

Galvin has shown that he has creativity, a strong running game and is very composed for a player of his age. He is also willing to take a chance and is not rocked by making mistakes. His work ethic and fitness set him apart from the pack. However, he is not consistent in defence and he also isn’t quick off the mark in attack so a couple of glaring shortfalls. This is compounded by the fact that he is 193cm tall but running around at 85 kegs; that is very light for his height.

Right up his clacker is Latu F. While injured most of 24 he also has wraps on him. He is running around at 182cm and 90 kegs and in his limited exposure at NRL level has shown that he is also composed and has a good passing game. While he hasn’t demonstrated a strong running game, potentially due to injury, his performances at the top level have been excellent for his age. He has demonstrated more sting in defence than Galvin as well, but to be fair it has been in short stints.

For me it is way too early to be offering the Galvin a massive contract based on potential. No doubt we should upgrade him in an effort to keep him here, but not at the expense of unbalancing the cap and not tied to any guarantee that he will be the 5/8 for the foreseeable future. No doubt he is a talent; but based on his body shape, lack of speed off the mark and physical endurance he is, in my opinion, better suited to being developed as a 13. Sure, let him play 5/8 until he fills out or Latu F unseats him but no need to go overboard.

If we are looking towards the future and team dynamics – replacing Bird with Galvin, and having Latu F and Romey in the halves makes sense.

Agreed.

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

Yeh. Sounds whimsical. TS. Just think Galvin might have other goals. Like he might have a brain.

 

[Tiger Stripes]

Agreed.

The question is how much would you be willing to pay for Galvin?

I’d pay $650k max per year for two years only.

That’s a good amount for a player with one years experience and a good term to see if he pans out to be as good as he is being built up to be.

One thing I don’t like about Galvin is his arrogance that he won’t play in the second row.

If he walks, you’ve still got Fainu there who has huge wraps on him.

Use Galvins money towards a great second rower and centre.

Great common sense, but hey; its way too early to speculate his worth!
He's signed here for the next 2 years! Can have a chat in Nov. to other clubs.
let's see how he pans out with Luai this year and with possible incremental upgrades before the $1mil talk to walk.
If, as I expect, we have improved and can offload a stack of deadwood at the end of the year, we will be in a good position to shop for players to fill the gaps in our weak spots. Benji & Richo will know this.
Galvin can also look over his shoulder at how Fainu is progressing ---putting pressure on him to perform? I don't see him in the forwards any time soon-----will not put on enough muscle/weight.
I am confident Richo will squeeze out the best deal; upgrade/extension for the WT.

 

[Vicious]

A guy who defends his patch as well as he does is not heartless.
In fact you don’t make NRL and stay there for 9 seasons in the toughest of positions without courage, determination and skill.

I’m a big Lachie Galvin fan, have been since long before he was even mentioned as a possibility of playing NRL.
However you are 💯 correct here Tucker, how can you put someone who has played one decent rookie season for the team who ended up with the wooden spoon, on par with someone such as Dylan Brown who has been in the elite category for numerous seasons and is an integral part of his teams success ?
As you say there is a chance opposing clubs will offer LG an over inflated contract based on his potential, but I’d say nearly all that are interested in him will be watching him very closely this season to see how he continues to develop before being certain if they will throw their hat in the ring to try and sign him on elite player contract money.
The pressure on him to perform at an elite level is immense based on this expectation and the rumoured money he can earn, it can go one way or another for him this season, he either thrives on the expectation or could possibly crumble because of it.
I want him to remain a Wests Tigers long term as much as anyone and I truly believe he will stay if we produce much improved results in 2025 and his own form contributes, however at this point of time it would be foolish to rush in and offer him anywhere near 1 million dollars per season that I’m guessing his manager is telling him he will get.
IF he goes from strength to strength and plays an integral part in Wests Tigers being in or very close to the top 8 by the halfway mark of season 2025, then we would have to consider offering him somewhere close to a million dollars per season on a long term deal.

 

[weststigerman]

I’m a big Lachie Galvin fan, have been since long before he was even mentioned as a possibility of playing NRL.
However you are 💯 correct here Tucker, how can you put someone who has played one decent rookie season for the team who ended up with the wooden spoon, on par with someone such as Dylan Brown who has been in the elite category for numerous seasons and is an integral part of his teams success ?
As you say there is a chance opposing clubs will offer LG an over inflated contract based on his potential, but I’d say nearly all that are interested in him will be watching him very closely this season to see how he continues to develop before being certain if they will throw their hat in the ring to try and sign him on elite player contract money.
The pressure on him to perform at an elite level is immense based on this expectation and the rumoured money he can earn, it can go one way or another for him this season, he either thrives on the expectation or could possible crumble because of it.
I want him to remain a Wests Tigers long term as much as anyone and I truly believe he will stay if we produce much improved results in 2025 and his own form contributes, however at this point of time it would be foolish to rush in and offer him anywhere near 1 million dollars per season that I’m guessing his manager is telling him he will get.
IF he goes from strength to strength and plays an integral part in Wests Tigers being in or very close to the top 8 by the halfway mark of season 2025, then we would have to consider offering him somewhere close to a million dollars per season on a long term deal.

Agree with this.

I think Galvin's stocks will continue to rise but there have been many halves who have had great first seasons and then fall off the radar for various reasons (ie Tim Smith, Ash Taylor, Luke Brooks, Rob Lui etc.).

He has to prove this year that he's worth the $1M+ offers whether it be from WT or another club.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Take a breath people. It’s really premature to think he is going to get a million dollars come his next contract. He’s still a teenager, playing for a bottom club. He might be on the trajectory of being a million dollar player, but more likely when he’s 24-25. He’s not getting that money at 20, not having played Origin or won a premiership. Or a finals game for that matter.

 

[Tiger_Yoshi]

Take a breath people. It’s really premature to think he is going to get a million dollars come his next contract. He’s still a teenager, playing for a bottom club. He might be on the trajectory of being a million dollar player, but more likely when he’s 24-25. He’s not getting that money at 20, not having played Origin or won a premiership. Or a finals game for that matter.

What … a common sense post… season start must be around the corner

 

[Rock Hopper Steve]

Add to that how he played the rest of a game with that sternum/rib injury he picked up early in a season which would have been a ridiculous level of pain

That's the injury he copped last season I couldn't remember DB, people forget the previous seasons that Twal showed good form in.

 

[supercoach]

Take a breath people. It’s really premature to think he is going to get a million dollars come his next contract. He’s still a teenager, playing for a bottom club. He might be on the trajectory of being a million dollar player, but more likely when he’s 24-25. He’s not getting that money at 20, not having played Origin or won a premiership. Or a finals game for that matter.

I agree with what your saying, but a player is worth what the market is willing to pay. NRL clubs are under massive pressure from fans,sponsors and the media to deliver success. Clubs will often throw common sense out the window in their chase for success and I think in Galvin’s case this may well happen.

The media have built him up to be the next best thing and the boy with the squeaky clean image. I guess we will know soon enough but I think a few clubs will risk plenty on his signature .

 

[Tucker]

Take a breath people. It’s really premature to think he is going to get a million dollars come his next contract. He’s still a teenager, playing for a bottom club. He might be on the trajectory of being a million dollar player, but more likely when he’s 24-25. He’s not getting that money at 20, not having played Origin or won a premiership. Or a finals game for that matter.

He shouldnt.
I think people are concerned that common sense will not play a role in his next contract.
The talk about him in season 24 was ridiculous quite frankly...there wasnt many of us that saw it that way though.
He shouldnt have this pressure on him. He is still on training wheels and commentators are suggesting he will be massive in this game. Theres people on here stating he'll be an immortal. Theres influential people in the game stating he is a superstar already. Its not fair.

 

[Rock Hopper Steve]

Take a breath people. It’s really premature to think he is going to get a million dollars come his next contract. He’s still a teenager, playing for a bottom club. He might be on the trajectory of being a million dollar player, but more likely when he’s 24-25. He’s not getting that money at 20, not having played Origin or won a premiership. Or a finals game for that matter.

If Galvan was on the market right now any sensible club wouldn't offer more than 650K, well maybe the knights would with their record, needs to show a lot more for me to be worth 1mil come 27, but some desperate club might be willing to beat up their salary cap on potential.

 

[Jolls]

If Galvan was on the market right now any sensible club wouldn't offer more than 650K, well maybe the knights would with their record, needs to show a lot more for me to be worth 1mil come 27, but some desperate club might be willing to beat up their salary cap on potential.

We have him contracted to us until the end of 26. Clubs can't legally start talking to him until Nov this year so there is no rush to get this resolved. We are in the box seat because he doesn't need an upgraded contract tomorrow. I have no doubt that Richo has spoken with Moses and has an understanding of what the agent is pushing.

As we transition from rebuild to title shot the key for us is to have a balanced roster with enough cap space to open a premiership title window starting 2026; although it would be nice if we could do something in 2025.

If Galvin is offered overs by some other club trying to buy a premiership window, and that would bend our cap out of shape to counter, then we simply let him go. We can't control that. We need to focus on what we can control; which is our cap and our roster.

If you haven't listened to the Shannon Gallant interview on the WT Faithful podcast do yourself a favour and listen to the latest production. It highlights how the pathways are being developed with an eye to providing a balanced roster of talent to grow the club. We are heading in the right direction - there will be bumps along the road but there is a plan, and it is starting to deliver.

If Galvin and Moses want to hold out until November and test the market - so be it. That will not stop us developing Latu, without the pressure and scrutiny Galvin is under, to fill the void if he goes. If I was king for a day that would be my short term plan; with Galvin moving elsewhere in the roster to make the most of the talent we have.

Richo will have an opportunity to make an upgrade offer and, if that is unsccessful, come back with another offer in November. I doubt he will throw our cap out of balance for Galvin as we also have Latu, a football nursery, and a plan that wasn't developed by circus clowns.

Sit back, relax and start to enjoy the ride up the ladder!

 

[liltiger]

Take a breath people. It’s really premature to think he is going to get a million dollars come his next contract. He’s still a teenager, playing for a bottom club. He might be on the trajectory of being a million dollar player, but more likely when he’s 24-25. He’s not getting that money at 20, not having played Origin or won a premiership. Or a finals game for that matter.

Gnr what do you think he's worth today?

 

[WesternSuburbsBoy]

He shouldnt.
I think people are concerned that common sense will not play a role in his next contract.
The talk about him in season 24 was ridiculous quite frankly...there wasnt many of us that saw it that way though.
He shouldnt have this pressure on him. He is still on training wheels and commentators are suggesting he will be massive in this game. Theres people on here stating he'll be an immortal. Theres influential people in the game stating he is a superstar already. Its not fair.

Then you have @tigermate wishing he gets injured so no other club can poach him 🤣

 

[Rock Hopper Steve]

We have him contracted to us until the end of 26. Clubs can't legally start talking to him until Nov this year so there is no rush to get this resolved. We are in the box seat because he doesn't need an upgraded contract tomorrow. I have no doubt that Richo has spoken with Moses and has an understanding of what the agent is pushing.

As we transition from rebuild to title shot the key for us is to have a balanced roster with enough cap space to open a premiership title window starting 2026; although it would be nice if we could do something in 2025.

If Galvin is offered overs by some other club trying to buy a premiership window that would bend out cap out of shape to counter then we simply let him go. We can't control that. We need to focus on what we can control; which is our cap and our roster.

If you haven't listend to the Shannon Gallant interview on the WTF podcast do yourself a favour and listen to the latest production. It highlights how the pathways are being developed with an eye to providing a balanced rosted of talent to grow the club. We are heading in the right direction - there will be bumps along the road but there is a plan, and it is starting to deliver.

If Galvin and Moses want to hold out until November and test the market - so be it. That will not stop us developing Latu, without the pressure and scrutiny Galvin is under, to fill the void if he goes. If I was king for a day that would be my short term plan with Galvin moving elsewhere in the roster to make the most of the talent we have.

Richo will have an opportunity to make an upgrade offer and, if that is unsccessful, come back with another offer in November. I doubt he will throw our cap out of balance for Galvin as we also have Latu, a football nursery, and a plan that wasn't developed by circus clowns.

Sit back, relax and start to enjoy the ride up the ladder!

Nice post Jolls I listen to all the tiger's podcasts, I have said on here before the sheer weight in our junior's area will throw up talent in most positions eventually now the platforms have been laid in 2 years time if Galvan wants out if the system is working there may well be a couple of new talents coming through that's if the poachers don't pick them off.

 

[gallagher]

If Galvan was on the market right now any sensible club wouldn't offer more than 650K, well maybe the knights would with their record, needs to show a lot more for me to be worth 1mil come 27, but some desperate club might be willing to beat up their salary cap on potential.

A new franchise with 30 vacant spots would be very interested.

 

[TurnStyle]

Hey Buttface, I'll tell you how good Mick Neil was. In 1989 Balmain paid out a Motza to bring highly fancied Great Britain five eighth, Shaun Edwards out to partner Gary Freeman in the halves. Shaun Edwards went on to enjoy a glittering career, winning the Man Of Steel award, representing Great Britain on 36 occasions including 14 appearances as captain. He also had an OBE bestowed upon him. However in the 1989 Grand Final Shaun Edwards was relegated to the reserves bench....because 'Ginger Megs' was preferred as five eighth.

Mick Neill played for Wests before Balmain didn't he?
He was very good - not detracting from that whatsoever - but I thought Edwards was complete crap when he was at Balmain.

 

[Ron Brodrick's Spirit]

So the guy who spent his off seasons on the French Riviera sipping cognac is running the "I wasn't fit at the Tigers" line.
Johnny has no shame.