Andrew Johns has dismissed the idea of Lachlan Galvin taking up a halfback position at the Bulldogs, instead recommending the talented 19-year-old to join Parramatta. Galvin is anticipated to depart from the Wests Tigers shortly, with both Canterbury and Parramatta vying for his signature, offering approximately $750,000 per year—substantially less than the Tigers’ initial offer.
Despite earlier suggestions from Phil Gould that the Bulldogs were not pursuing Galvin, it seems there may be a shift in their stance regarding his potential signing. Paul Gallen, who collaborates with Gould on Nine’s 100% Footy, hinted that the situation in rugby league can evolve rapidly, suggesting that the Bulldogs might reconsider their position.
Johns believes Galvin is better suited as a five-eighth, possibly transitioning into a ball-playing lock, rather than as a halfback tasked with directing the team. He argues that joining Parramatta, where he could learn from standout player Mitchell Moses and potentially fill a void left by Dylan Brown’s upcoming move to Newcastle, would be advantageous for Galvin’s development.
"I don’t see him as a halfback, not at all… he doesn’t need the burden of steering the team around," Johns stated, urging for the conclusion of the contract discussions. Gallen echoed these sentiments, believing that working alongside Moses would significantly benefit Galvin’s growth as a player, highlighting the importance of being mentored by experienced players rather than staying at the Bulldogs.
While there are considerations regarding various positions for Galvin should he join the Bulldogs—such as pairing him with Matt Burton in the halves or shifting Burton to a different role—the consensus among sports pundits leans towards the advantages of Galvin signing with Parramatta for his comprehensive skill development.
Ultimately, Galvin’s future remains uncertain, although his potential move appears to be a pivotal topic in the forthcoming weeks. With 31 games under his belt since his first-grade debut last year, he is positioned to make a significant impact irrespective of the club he chooses.