Tigers expected to axe Galvin ahead of Easter Monday clash

Lachlan Galvin’s future at the Wests Tigers has taken another dramatic twist, with the teenage playmaker set to be dropped ahead of the Easter Monday showdown with Parramatta.

The 19-year-old is expected to be overlooked for selection when the NRL Round 7 team lists are announced at 4pm AEST on Tuesday, with Adam Doueihi tipped to take over the No.6 jersey alongside marquee man Jarome Luai in the halves.

The Tigers remain $1.37 favourites with rugby league bookies to prevail in the Easter Monday clash, despite the setback surrounding Galvin’s contract talks.

The selection bombshell comes just a day after Galvin’s management informed the club he would not be extending his stay beyond the end of 2026 — a move that sparked an immediate and pointed response from the Tigers hierarchy.

• 

  Fast Payouts

“It should be noted that the club has NO intention of releasing Lachlan from his contract, and he has not requested this,” the Tigers said in a strongly worded statement on Monday.

Despite those claims, the writing now appears to be on the wall.

With Latu Fainu still sidelined with a broken thumb and Doueihi off-contract at season’s end, coach Benji Marshall has turned to his most experienced option as the Tigers look to bounce back against the Eels in front of a packed CommBank Stadium.

It’s unclear whether Galvin will be asked to drop back to the NSW Cup or simply be omitted altogether, but there were already concerns he would have faced a hostile reception from Tigers fans after his contract decision became public.

Galvin, a standout through the junior ranks and one of the club’s brightest prospects, reportedly knocked back a long-term offer worth $5.5 million to extend his stay with Wests.

Sports news