Lachlan Galvin reportedly backflipped on a decision to join the Eels, which has left the club scrambling for a replacement for Dylan Brown to partner Mitchell Moses in the halves.
FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer >
Galvin was leaning towards signing with the Eels, before a late play from the Bulldogs saw him chose Belmore as his next home, leaving Parramatta in the cold.
Braith Anasta questioned how the Eels deal fell through given Galvin’s links to the club.
“He was a Parramatta fan. You have got Mitchell Moses in his ear and the potential to play with him. Isaac Moses manages both Mitchell and Lachlan. Why? What happened?” Anasta said on NRL 360.
The Daily Telegraph’s Brent Read believes Galvin had a change of heart after being set to join the Eels on a more lucrative deal last Friday.
“I don’t know the exact reason why, I can only assume… obviously he’s close to Luke Vella,” Read said.
“I think there were some phone calls made over the course of the weekend and his mind changed.
“But as of Friday night my understanding was that Parramatta were quietly confident he was coming to them and on more money.”
MORE NRL NEWS
EXCLUSIVE: Dogs grant Mahoney permission to talk to rival clubs immediately
GOING: Sexton set to quit Dogs after Galvin signing amid links to three NRL rival clubs
TEAM TIPS: Broncos stars return; Benji’s big Galvin call as Origin wreaks havoc
Veteran journalist Phil Rothfield believes the Eels will now make a play for Roosters five-eighth Sandon Smith, despite links to the Cowboys.
“It’s interesting where it leads Parramatta now,” Rothfield said.
“I was told over the weekend that Sandon Smith will leave the Roosters, even though he’s got a year to go, with Cherry-Evans coming and he was strongly favouring the Cowboys.
“I’ve since learnt that Parramatta, now they know Galvin’s not coming, will have a decent crack for Sandon Smith.”
Will Galvin become Bulldogs’ halfback? | 01:38
Gorden Tallis questioned if the Broncos might make a play for Sexton with Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt coming to the end of their careers next season.
“Hopefully Sexton gets a role somewhere and maybe Brisbane would be the perfect place,” Tallis said.
“I’d like to see him back at the Titans,” Rothfield interjected.
“They need a halfback. And I know Foran is around this year, but they need a halfback.”
‘He mislead them!’ Gus slammed for lies | 02:57
Read believes the Eels could look at Storm halfback Jonah Pezet, given a clause in his contract related to Jahrome Hughes’ future.
“Jonah Pezet is an obvious one,” Read said.
“Jonah’s obviously got that agreement that if Jahrome Hughes extends, he can look at potentially going on loan or leaving the club.”
Rothfield revealed the off-contract halves over the next couple of seasons that the Eels could look at.
“They won’t be going after Jackson Hastings or Cody Walker,” Rothfield said.
“Reynolds I think will stay in Brisbane. Toby Sexton might be an option.
“Pezet, your man, definitely.
“If they’re prepared to wait longer, there’s the likes of Metcalf, Smith, Wishart. There’s some good players there.”
Was Sexton set to be dropped by Dogs? | 03:13
Read believes Metcalf is the player the Eels need to go hard for.
“I would have a red hot go at Metcalf if you can convince him to leave New Zealand,” Read said.
“The Warriors wouldn’t let him go would they?” Anasta said.
However, Rothfield flagged a player closer to home at arch rivals the Panthers that the Eels could look at.
“I tell you who is a terrific player, Jack Cole, who can’t get a game at Penrith,” Rothfield said.
“And I reckon they could get him out now. I think he’s a very, very sharp and competent player, and I know he lost his spot to Blaize Telagi, but I just think he’s a very good first-grade footballer.”
Discussion about this post