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Galvin excused from Tigers training amid contract saga
Scott Bailey, AAP • May 28th, 2025 7:43 am
Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
Lachlan Galvin won't play for Wests Tigers this weekend, with the teenage prodigy "excused" from training while he edges closer to a mid-season move to Canterbury.
Still technically under contract at the Tigers, Galvin was not named in the No.6 jersey on Tuesday afternoon for Saturday's clash against North Queensland.
The Tigers have instead handed Heath Mason Galvin's old spot, with fellow half Latu Fainu not yet back from a hand injury.
"Wests Tigers have made a decision to not select Lachlan Galvin in any grade," the club said in a statement on their website.
"He has also been excused from training commitments this week."
Galvin's leave of absence comes as the Bulldogs expect the 19-year-old's situation to become clearer this week, after he decided he wanted to sign with them.
For Galvin's arrival to be secured, both the Bulldogs and Tigers will need to agree on a six-figure transfer fee, given the playmaker is contracted until the end of next year.
The fallout from Galvin's decision continues to loom large over the NRL, dominating headlines a day out from the State of Origin series opener.
Questions linger over off-contract halfback Toby Sexton's future at Canterbury, while hooker Reed Mahoney has also been given permission to test the market.
A defiant Phil Gould has also insisted Galvin's looming arrival won't destabilise the table-topping Bulldogs, after their best start to a season in 23 years.
Lachlan Galvin and Benji Marshall at training after the teen's call not to re-sign with the Tigers | Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP
Asked if he was worried that Galvin's arrival could cause animosity from other players if he was to take their spot, Gould was defiant.
"No. None at all. That's the least of my worries," Gould said on the Nine Network's 100% Footy.
"I don't think anyone denies he is a talent. And you win premierships with talented players. It's my responsibility to get talented players into the club.
"I think it will create great competition, that's what it'll create if he turns up.
"He's got talent. Why wouldn't you want a talented player at your football club? And why wouldn't the other players want talent at their football club? They do."
Phil Gould is 'gaming the system' to recruit Lachie Galvin to the Bulldogs | Scotty & Izzy
If Galvin does land at Canterbury before next Tuesday, he would be available to face Parramatta, the other club he met with, in the King's Birthday public holiday clash.
Gould indicated one option for Galvin could still be the back row, with the Bulldogs facing a forwards shortage through a spate of suspensions and injuries.
There is the potential he could replace Sexton in the halves, or potentially pair up with the off-contract halfback if Matt Burton was moved elsewhere.
Burton has previously won a premiership at left centre for Penrith.
That could leave centre Bronson Xerri or fullback Connor Tracey out of the team, depending on how the backline reshuffle would take place.
"(Where he plays) will be up to the coaching staff," Gould said.
"The more depth you've got in the club, the more talented players you've got, the better."
