Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[The-moP]

So Galvin’s replacement looks like Mikey Lewis from the SL! This guy is the current Man of Steel! Anyone who’s watched him, knows he’s a bloody good player. Just a typical tough bastard from Hull. He will fit very well in this team 🔥🤝🏾

HULL KR Mikey Lewis has been named as a potential surprising replacement for Wests Tigers halfback Lachlan Galvin, who is widely expected to leave the NRL club at the end of the 2026 season.

Galvin is being linked with a move to Parramatta Eels after rejecting a monster $5-6 million deal with the Tigers, with The Mole claiming that Wests should look to KR’s Lewis as a replacement.

Tigers head coach coach Benji Marshall has dropped Galvin to reserve grade just days before the club’s Easter Monday clash with, ironically, Parramatta.

Lewis, meanwhile, has quickly become one of the most sought-after assets in world rugby league following a Man of Steel-winning year in 2024 – and The Mole believes that Wests could come running to the Super League livewire as Galvin’s replacement.

The 23-year-old is, however, contracted to Rovers until the end of the 2028 Super League season, meaning that any potential deal would include a massive transfer fee.

 

[jrtiger]

we're not signing Mikey Lewis.

 

[BAGNF05]

They can, I agree, but they can also put context around the eye test being misleading. More often than not, stats will correct a misheld opinion, rather than the alternative.

I lean on them to mostly reinforce or correct what my eyes observe, I'm not immune from reassessing a lot after a first watch-through of games (I generally watch at least twice).

As for the other sides bullying us, we'll see. We're still a work in progress, but we're growing, and as far as the forward pack goes, we're closing the gap on the best teams in the comp in that area.

Oh, and we've barely played well yet so far.... That's a positive.

The eye test tells you we’re losing the battle at the ruck. Watch Melbourne next time they play and watch what they do when the attacking player is getting to his feet. They take away about 6 inches of his space and make subtle contact with his upper body. It probably equates to about half a second. When they get up to play the ball themselves they walk forward or to the side of the marker.

It’s subtle but they get away with it.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

Lewis is signed until 2028... The Mole just said that he would be a good replacement, not that he is coming.

I doubt we go into the market for a half at all. The club will go all in on Fainu and still have Sullivan contracted for next year. Not to mention Doueihi is an option.

Luai & Latu, Tyrone May will be backup half & possibly Douehi depending on the next few weeks, Mason will be developed as a utility so he becomes a backup option. Kurt Falls could play himself into a T&T for next season and we further develop Max Liles and Marc Tannous.

 

[bigsiro]

I clearly stated why he needs to play 1st grade.

I don't think you have. You made 4 points:


1.Lachlan Galvin is contracted to the Wests Tigers until the end of 2026

This is not a valid reason that he needs to play. There are many players who lose form, get injured, suspended, have personal issues, or for whatever variety of reasons don't play first grade - despite being contracted to a club.

2. Lachlan Galvin is without doubt a top 17 First Grade player

Yes, he has a sublime skill set and confidence, but poor execution, performances and game management have shown that this does not overcome a his lack of patience, experience, teamwork or a lackluster attitude. The latter of which is paramount to being someone in your team in your top 17, and invariably trumps skill.
Even considering his breakthrough, he would still not walk into every side. Bear in mind that at most clubs he would likely not have even been given a crack at First Grade yet. So despite him having unreal potential, to suggest that at this moment he is "without a doubt a top 17 First Grade player" is well, not without doubt.

3. I want the Wests Tigers to play finals in 2025

So do we all. (I think your points 3 and 4 go together).

4. To achieve the above Lachlan Galvin MUST be selected to play First Grade (next week).

Disagree. People said that about Luke Brooks too.
Sorry, but he is still only 19 and is clearly a toxic character at WT. And despite all the hype, Lachlan Galvin is no Brett Kenny. For what its worth, I suspect Galvin will play again for us at some stage, but just remember we have a half waiting in the wings who was a better junior than Galvin.

Ultimately, it comes down to this (from Remember the Titans): "You’re not a team player. That’s why you’re not on the team."

 

[ash]

I Feel sorry for Galvin that the senior people in his corner have exposed him to this shit show.
It's fine to believe in yourself and have conviction, but he's not played an nrl game yet with any real stakes. When that blowtorch gets applied we will see if he really is the next Joey Johns or just another Ash Taylor.
Going to Parra as their marquee man would have to be the dumbest decision he could make.

It’s 50/50, right? I feel sorry for Galvin — he’s been put in this position by his father and manager, then left to face the consequences of their actions on his own. No doubt he’s got his hands in it too, but at the end of the day, he’s still just a boy — and this is where the NRL gets it so wrong.

How all of this has come to light in the way it has is beyond me. And the fact they’ve just put him in reggies this weekend? That’s stupid. The kid’s been blasted on every social media platform for 24 hours. Let him spend the weekend with his family, get his head right.

That said, the club has invested more in his development than most other clubs would. So the comment about his development having a ceiling under Benji is poor.

As for feeling like second fiddle to Jarome Luai — well, he is. That’s the reality. Almost anywhere he goes, he’ll be second fiddle to the half. He’s played 27 NRL games and hasn’t exactly racked up a strong win/loss record yet.

What I do love is seeing our players rally around their coach. You don’t stick your neck out like that for someone doing a bad job. I love that Jarome and Api are ready to front the media and defend the club. That shows passion for what they’re building, and it tells me they’re not going to let a 19-year-old kid tear it all down.

That said — we still have games to win. The Tigers need to put this behind them and beat Parra, or the club risks spiraling again.

At the end of the day, I just hope the club doesn’t let this speed bump derail the season — and stays mindful that Galvin isn’t just inexperienced in the game, but in life. He’s just a kid.

 

[Tiger_Fanatic3]

Don't be surprised if the Wests Tigers look to Super League's current Man of Steel to replace Lachlan Galvin.

Hull playmaker Mikey Lewis, a livewire 23-year-old, is rated among the best players in Britain and has already won five England Test caps.

Lewis' coach at Hull is former Souths and St George halfback Willie Peters - a close mate of Tigers chief executive Shane Richardson.

Surprise Galvin replacement the Tigers will be eyeing

The Mole's mid-week scoops

www.nine.com.au

 

[BUGSY MALONE]

I don't think you have. You made 4 points:


1.Lachlan Galvin is contracted to the Wests Tigers until the end of 2026

This is not a valid reason that he needs to play. There are many players who lose form, get injured, suspended, have personal issues, or for whatever variety of reasons don't play first grade - despite being contracted to a club.

2. Lachlan Galvin is without doubt a top 17 First Grade player

Yes, he has a sublime skill set and confidence, but poor execution, performances and game management have shown that this does not overcome a his lack of patience, experience, teamwork or a lackluster attitude. The latter of which is paramount to being someone in your team in your top 17, and invariably trumps skill.
Even considering his breakthrough, he would still not walk into every side. Bear in mind that at most clubs he would likely not have even been given a crack at First Grade yet. So despite him having unreal potential, to suggest that at this moment he is "without a doubt a top 17 First Grade player" is well, not without doubt.

3. I want the Wests Tigers to play finals in 2025

So do we all. (I think your points 3 and 4 go together).

4. To achieve the above Lachlan Galvin MUST be selected to play First Grade (next week).

Disagree. People said that about Luke Brooks too.
Sorry, but he is still only 19 and is clearly a toxic character at WT. And despite all the hype, Lachlan Galvin is no Brett Kenny. For what its worth, I suspect Galvin will play again for us at some stage, but just remember we have a half waiting in the wings who was a better junior than Galvin.

Ultimately, it comes down to this (from Remember the Titans): "You’re not a team player. That’s why you’re not on the team."

Point 2 (IMO) is quite specific!
If the WESTS Tigers lose against the Eels on Monday I will be interested BIG Sirro on what your post game thoughts are?

 

[Coastie_Tiger]

Don't be surprised if the Wests Tigers look to Super League's current Man of Steel to replace Lachlan Galvin.

Hull playmaker Mikey Lewis, a livewire 23-year-old, is rated among the best players in Britain and has already won five England Test caps.

Lewis' coach at Hull is former Souths and St George halfback Willie Peters - a close mate of Tigers chief executive Shane Richardson.

Surprise Galvin replacement the Tigers will be eyeing

The Mole's mid-week scoops

www.nine.com.au

I've never heard of him is he rated higher than Dodd who can't get a kick?

Anyway we have Galvin's replacement already within our ranks we just need to give Latu his opportunities and hope his cursed injury run plateau's out.

 

[BUGSY MALONE]

No you didn’t. You said he’s contracted until 2026, a top 17 player and needs to play in order for us to reach the finals. That’s not “why” he needs to play. What has he done to warrant automatic selection based on his on field play?

I told you exactly what he’s been doing this year in terms of his on field play. You made a bunch of generic statements with nothing to back them up and are now running from that. So either present something beyond empty statements or go away and let the adults discuss.

Sorry Bruce Wayne's Parents but as I replied to BIG Sirro my 2nd point was very clear IMO.

 

[Batmans Parents]

Sorry Bruce Wayne's Parents but as I replied to BIG Sirro my 2nd point was very clear IMO.

Okay so I’m dealing with an idiot who’s incapable of backing up his moronic statements.

Good to know for the future, kid 👍

 

[BUGSY MALONE]

No you didn’t. You said he’s contracted until 2026, a top 17 player and needs to play in order for us to reach the finals. That’s not “why” he needs to play. What has he done to warrant automatic selection based on his on field play?

I told you exactly what he’s been doing this year in terms of his on field play. You made a bunch of generic statements with nothing to back them up and are now running from that. So either present something beyond empty statements or go away and let the adults discuss.

Gee Bruce Wayne's Parents, I am concerned that your commentary is mirroring that of Lachlan Galvin's Parents in respect of his future footy contract.

 

[SwervinMervin]

Absolutely no need to look for a replacement.

As @Demps said - we already have someone most of us wanted to replace him anyway.

Our money best spent elsewhere, like a 2RF or two.

We don’t need another half. We now have a first choice pair - Luai and Latu, and ok backup with Douhie or even Bird and Naden who can cover 5/8 if required. There is also the Bud option as well if needed in 2026. We are better off than most clubs with halves backup. We need another second rower, a solid outside back and maybe another middle rotation. Galvin leaving solves the whole what do we do with Latu question. As Benj said a few weeks back, he’s too good for Reggies. Now he gets his chance. Ironically, Galvan will also get his chance to prove he is too good for Reggies! Hopefully for the next season and a half 🙂

 

[BUGSY MALONE]

He made his choice. He should not play another 1st grade game for the Tigers.

I don't care if Brandon Tumeth has to play at 6 for us to be honest. If he has lost the trust of his teammates (which clearly he has), he ain't coming back into this team. This team is different beast in 2025 because every single player taking the field wants to play for each other and is in it for Benji. If Galvin goes out there, 16 other players don't want to play for him and our attitude and effort will drop.

1 player is not bigger than the club. He sits in reserve grade until we get a favourable trade from another club.

Don't bite off your nose to despite your face. Emotions are high and disappointment leads the charge, but common-sense must take precedence.

 

[Vicious]

The entire reason I responded was that you said -

'our yardage sets remain problematic'.

What is a 'yardage set' then?

We're 2nd in post contact metres and 5th in all run metres.

To'o (who is also injured atm- your current criticism of Skelton) would be great.

But our current side IS working as a pack. Extremely well. Especially considering their age/perceived quality. It doesnt mean we can't still upgrade, but you upgrade in areas of need, especially when you've likely got options as to who you receive in return.

You wanna go Penrith? Cool, they can have a quote 'generational talent', we'll have Liam Martin, thanks.

Wouldn’t that be nice, imagine our forward pack with Liam Martin included.
Unfortunately it will never happen as Liam Martin is the jewel in the Panthers forward pack.

 

[426Tlgerland]

Read the damn article before spewing this nonsense. All that old drunk, Tony Adams aka the Mole, said was that we could be looking at him as a replacement. Not that we were looking at him or had even inquired about him.

The reading comprehension on this forum is unbelievable sometimes 🤦‍♂️

He is contracted to end 2028. He ain’t coming plus we have Latu

 

[Kelce68]

Wouldn’t that be nice, imagine our forward pack with Liam Martin included.
Unfortunately it will never happen as Liam Martin is the jewel in the Panthers forward pack.

I know.

But the way some people are talking, apparently Lachlan will be the jewel of the entire league soon enough...

 

[SwervinMervin]

I've never heard of him is he rated higher than Dodd who can't get a kick?

Anyway we have Galvin's replacement already within our ranks we just need to give Latu his opportunities and hope his cursed injury run plateau's out.

If I’m Latu I use the time in rehab to get rock hard fit. He has a massive opportunity and how he prepares for it will show if he has the discipline, ambition and focus to match the undoubted talent. The busted thumb and head knocks can’t be helped. Occupational hazard. The soft tissue injuries and niggles often betray a lack of the fitness that is required for week in week out NRL. On the few occasions I’ve seen him, he looks naturally quick, and he’s a nugget build too which is well suited to halves. But he also looked like he was carrying just a bit of timber around the middle and he was chipped in pre season about not meeting his agreed fitness levels returning from the break. Get him NRL ready physically. His hands, feet and speed will do the rest.

 

[Tiger Tarl]

The only (non-halves) players I would swap Galvin for are:

Payne Haas
Haumole Olakau’atu
Angus Crichton
Liam Martin
Pat Carrigan
Stephen Chrichton

All are highly unlikely if not impossible. We have our spine sorted and just need a killer 2nd-rower and to keep our starting 17 fit. I like Hopgood from Parra but is he an equal trade for Galvin?

Better to keep Galvin until end of 2026. He'll grow from it, will be forced to pull his head in and will at least get a premiership ring before he leaves. 😉

 

[mactiger]

does anyone know when Latu is back on deck