Why Galvin’s new tattoo is a direct hint to new club he’s set to join ... next year — Hoops

The riddle about where Lachlan Galvin’s future lies is still as clear as mud.

As the days go by, and on the back of the Wests Tigers’ 64-0 flogging at the hands of the Storm, the mail is the Tigers are begrudgingly shifting their thinking on Galvin remaining at the club beyond this season.

The way it’s shaping up with lawyers involved we’re tipping Galvin will be at a different club next year.

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So if you’re Galvin and your next decision is not about money – as we’ve been repeatedly told - but will be all about the best coaching and the best football development opportunity then where do you go?

Is it the 17th placed Parramatta Eels deep in a full-blown re-build with a rookie coach in Jason Ryles who’s only 10 games into his career and still finding his way?

Is that going to be the best opportunity to improve your development as a footballer?

Parramatta are currently sitting below the Wests Tigers and look like being locked in a crocodile roll to avoid the wooden spoon.

Or is it the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs where Cameron Ciraldo has completely revolutionised the way the club defends, overhauled its leadership, recruited impeccably and currently got the Bulldogs sitting on top of the NRL ladder with eight wins and one loss?

Lachlan Galvin of the Tigers talks to teammates during the round 10 NRL match between Melbourne Storm and Wests Tigers at AAMI Park, on May 11, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

Remember, it’s not all about the money. Otherwise Galvin would have taken the six-year $6.5 million upgrade and extension to remain at Wests Tigers until the end of 2031.

When you sit back and look at it the Bulldogs tick every box right now in terms of what Galvin is supposedly looking for.

Add to this Canterbury-Bankstown’s general manager of football Phil Gould’s charm offensive in terms of public commentary on the 19-year-old dating back to the start of last season.

“I think he’s the best teenage footballer I’ve ever seen. I think what he is doing is absolutely extraordinary,” Gould said.

“Lachlan Galvin will earn more money out of Rugby League than any player in history.

“In the future, whoever has Lachlan Galvin in their side will be winning premierships.”

The Bulldogs are also currently holding off re-signing current halfback Toby Sexton who in fairness has been solid in everything Canterbury-Bankstown have achieved this season.

Then there’s Galvin’s tight rapport with ex-Westfield Sports High School coach Luke Vella who is now an assistant working under Bulldogs coach Ciraldo.

I.N.F.E is one of the tattoos Galvin acquired over the off-season – a tribute to Vella’s saying “It’s not for everyone”.

'I don't think Mam should be playing!' | 01:11

Trying to read the tea leaves in rugby league is always fraught with danger.

But crystal ball it like this and it’s a relatively easy call to make.

There’s clearly still a lot to play out around where Galvin ultimately lands. But don’t be surprised if the Wests Tigers are forced into giving him permission to negotiate for next season in the near future.

This is when the Bulldogs can decide to make a play.

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