Lachlan Galvin rejects record Tigers deal, confirms 2026 exit

The Wests Tigers have been dealt a hammer blow to their long-term plans, with teenage sensation Lachlan Galvin rejecting a record-breaking contract extension and confirming he will leave the club at the end of 2026.

The Tigers announced on Monday that Galvin had turned down what they described as “the largest contract offer for a junior in the history of the club”, with the 19-year-old and his management firm on their decision not to entertain further negotiations.

Galvin, widely tipped as a future State of Origin playmaker, is still contracted through the end of next season, and the Tigers insist he will not be granted an early release.

“The club is disappointed, but we move on,” the statement read.

It’s a bitter pill to swallow for the Tigers, who have found early-season momentum under rookie coach Benji Marshall and were banking on Galvin as a cornerstone of their rebuild.

The classy five-eighth has been a standout in 2025, forming part of a promising young spine alongside Latu Fainu and marquee signing Jarome Luai, whose own future remains clouded due to a contract clause allowing him to speak with rival NRL clubs from November.

While the Tigers remain adamant Galvin won’t be going anywhere before his deal expires, rival clubs are expected to circle when he officially hits the open market.

The Roosters, Bulldogs and Eels are among the frontrunners to secure his services.

The news threatens to derail the Tigers’ recent on-field progress, with the club climbing into the top eight after a resounding win over the Knights in NRL Round 6.

They are priced at $2.80 with rugby league bookies to secure a top-eight finish.

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