News that Lachlan Galvin is set to test open market is sure to make him the hottest free agent on the market.
The uncrowned 2024 Rookie of the Year. Let's face it: if he hadn't been suspended, he would have walked into the award. He has also indicated he will test his value in the coming weeks/months.
Given the reported mega-deal for Dylan Brown, the market has been re-set, meaning Galvin is set to cash in despite having just over 20 NRL games on his resume.
I have no doubt a host of teams will be discussing the 19 year-old as I type this.
Galvin is set to be become a free agent as of November 1st, meaning teams have plenty of time to shuffle their roster to make move for the teenage star for 2027.
Today we look at the FIVE most likely potential landing spots for Lachlan Galvin:
As is tradition, we'll start with the "boring" option. There is still every chance that Lachlan Galvin will remain a Tiger.
A potential long-term halves partnership with Jarome Luai is an exciting one. Luai looked amazing in the seven when called upon during his Penrith tenure, and I have no doubt he'll star in his new colours.
Galvin would have to go a long way to find a better mentor or partner than the four-time Premiership winner and incumbent Origin number six.
The Tigers are going to have to pay up, in a big way, to keep their prized asset. Galvin's management has made that clear.
Right now, the Tigers are in a position where they simply have to keep Galvin. Or, at the very least, do everything they can.
Galvin's performances were the rare highlight in a season the club recorded a third straight wooden spoon. He was, rightfully so, seen as the savour of the club. The future at bare minimum.
Galvin and his manager have no reason to take "unders" to stay at the club, especially given Luai's big-money deal. That said, if Galvin were to move on, it would throw any discussion of loyalty into question.
The Tigers were so high on Galvin early that they dropped a transfer fee to sign him from the Eels. The club were rewarded quickly as Galvin helped lead the Wests Magpies to the 2020 Harold Matthews title.
If Galvin signs for another side after November 1, there is a very real chance that everything that has been built in Tiger Town may soon be forgotten.
His re-signing is priority one, two, and three! They have over six months to secure Galvin's future before he can speak to other clubs. They need to make it count.
The Sydney Roosters are suddenly everyone's worst nightmare.
They have so much salary cap space available due to many superstars leaving the club in the 2024 into '25 off-season.
The club has already signed Reece Robson for 2026 signalling a rebuild is very much on.
Come November 1st, you have to believe the Roosters will be at Galvin's doorstep, chequebook open and with a spot in their halves, or at 13, to offer.
I'd expect the Roosters to be very much focused on 2026 right now but a player of Galvin's age and talent is sure to peak their interest.
Sandon Smith and Sam Walker are both enormous talents. Both are 22 year's of age. If you add Galvin, who will be 20 by the time he is free to be approached, that is the core of the club for the next decade.
Galvin is seen by many as a future number 13. We'll see how that pans out but even if chased as a half, the Roosters can move their assets around and fit all three in.
The red, white, and blue will be a topic of discussion for every player who becomes available for a few seasons to come.
I would be absolutely shocked if Lachlan Galvin's name is not circled come November 1.
The Eels will want to strike back, quickly, following the reported loss of Dylan Brown.
If I'm an Eels fan, I want the right player signed rather than any player signed. If they can show patience, they're likely very much in the Galvin sweepstakes.
Galvin, an Eels fan growing up, was a member of the Parra youth system. The Eels didn't want to let Galvin go but accepted a transfer fee from the Magpies/Tigers.
They will have plenty of cash available and a spot in the number six. They also have a history with Galvin and can offer him the chance to play for the club he grew up supporting.
They can also partner him with Mitch Moses. That has to be worth its weight in gold!
The Eels can either panic and try to sign a replacement right away or they can take their time and set up a bid come November 1st.
I'd imagine they'll be in Galvin's sights if they can make a decent pitch.
Cody Walker is 35 years of age heading into the 2025 season.
I have no reason to believe he won't play on next year, where he'll be 36. Then, you'd have to imagine, something might need to give.
Step up Lachlan Galvin. The absolute perfect replacement for the likely retiring Walker.
Walker is on a fair chunk of change, meaning a straight swap is almost seamless.
Galvin will have another year under his belt at NRL level, with another to come before any potential move.
A fourth-year starter coming across in a position that will likely need to be replaced?
Potentially under supercoach Wayne Bennett!? Let's face it, he was supposed to retire like two clubs ago. He may still be coaching until he's 90.
It also means Galvin won't have to pack up and move. He'll also move to one of Sydney's most powerful clubs, on and off the field. It opens a lot of doors.
One club I'm yet to hear linked to Galvin is The Dolphins.
They have young Isaiya Katoa at halfback. I'm convinced he's going to be the next star of the game. Why not partner him with the other player very much seen as the next star in Galvin?
Sean O'Sullivan and Kodi Nikorima are good talents. Great even. Neither has really nailed down the spot next to Katoa.
A Galvin/Katoa partnership could see the Dolphins run riot over the next ten years.
The Dolphins have an aging squad but with Katoa, Gilbert, Marshall-King and the Hammer all hitting the peaks of their careers, the Dolphins suddenly looks a serious destination.
I have no idea of their cap situation but you'd have to believe the Phins would figure it out to be able to make an attractive offer to Galvin.
He and Katoa could be the combined face of the franchise for many, many years.
