Manly has apparently ruled themselves out as a destination for Galvin.
It’s Eels, for sure. Gould though will have a go if a deal isn’t already done with Parra.
Anyway, onwards and upwards.
even more reason for the eels to be my number 1 most hated team
Thinking about it again, the only setback for us as I see it would be the Eels would get Galvin cheap if we didn’t bargain for a player to come our way as well.I think the trade I’m proposing might also allow us to front load a contract (maybe Pearce-Paul), bring Heath or Porter into the top 30 for the rest of the year, upgrades to TDS & Sione & still have money to land a player of quality for next year. All assumptions on my part.As far as edge backrowers go Olakauatu is arguably the best. But would they be willing to trade him for Galvin who has great potential no doubt. I think Olakauatu is also signed long term as opposed to Pearce-Paul. When I looked at possible scenarios I looked at clubs who were most likely to trade & who might have a player who could benefit our club. Pearce-Paul is only 24 & has played for his country. His best footy is in front of him. He’s off contract next year & the Knights are reshaping their squad. I think the Knights would benefit having Brown there now, The Eels might see letting him go now as ok if they have a suitable replacement & we’d have an international backrower on the right edge. Seyfarth could then play on the bench or could simply add depth to our squad which needs it.Is Pearce Paul the quality we need? I guess it comes down to cost. Pearce Paul at 500k or olakuatu at 900k. We have some quite good contracts on the books (Api, May, the Fainu’s, even Skelton is only on 230k) we might be able to afford a strike player like olakuatu. Assuming Makasini is worth the hype and that starford maintains this form then you are probably running out of spots You want to upgrade:
1. Bula
2. Skelton
3. Makasini
4. Toa
5. Taruva
6. luai
7. latu
8. May
9. api
10. Pole
11. Sam Fainu
12.
13.
14. TDS
15. Bird
16. Hunt
17. Seyfarth/Twal
I assume we are well under the cap given all the players we have let go. TDS, Bula, Latu will need an upgrade but you will also be phasing out Api at some point. An olakuatu/Sam Fainu 2RF pairing also reduces some pressure on the need for top tier centres as the big targets in the back row draw defenders.
I agree with your thinking I’m just if the view that we can leverage a bigger recruit given we hold quite a valuable card (Galvin is still on an 18month contract at low dollars). If Moses wants to move Galvin he will need Wests Tigers to approve the move ie he can’t even negotiate until November and can’t play until 2027 unless we approve! You might be right that knights would let KPP go early if they need to but Manly are facing a diabolical halves outlook given DCE is leaving and they let all their promising halves leave. You choose a half over a 2RF any day of the week so I think Manly absolutely are in the mix. Manly would be a better destination for KPP after they sign Galvin and let olakuatu go to tigers.
Crazy if it’s eels because there is no trade there at all. The kid is back in flegg.
The way our team looks today and with AD and Latu lining up to play halves I would swap 2 Galvins for Olakuatu, I still think about how incredible the Luai/Kikau combination was at the Panthers, obviously we would need him to play left edge, however I'm sure it would work. Having said that I do look forward to seeing Luai play more in synch with Samuela and unlock him. It seems to me that every time we went left, galvin kept sticking his nose in, hogging the ball and killing any shape. I prefer Bula plays a sweeping role and samuela runs a nice line. Imagine having Luai holding the ball up and Bula sweeping around the back with Samuela running a line...it would open the lanes for all 3 of them.if Manly is the destination, still think it is then i would like tigers to go after Olakuatu. He is good friends with Fainu's and would be perfect for the seyfarth spot, seyfarth to bench.
I think Shaun Lane would be ok. Tago’s brother is ok. They’d certainly add depth to our squad. Lane would add plenty of experience to the Cup side & could do a job at NRL level if called upon. A pack of Seyfarth, Hope, Porter, Lane, Sukkar & Laulilii is better than what we have now. But Lane or Tago (examples) would only be add ons to any potential swap. Pearce-Paul would be the one we want to get & that’s only happen if the the Eels & Knights agreed to all this. Then next year look for a quality middle or back. Unlikely but you never know.Crazy if it’s eels because there is no trade there at all. The kid is back in flegg.
I’d love Olakauatu, I’d love Staggs, I’d love Haas, the list goes on but at the moment who is the more realistic target? We could have a crack at Staggs but we’d be looking at close to a million to get him away from the Broncos, Haas would cost over a million but Pearce-Paul who is younger than those 3 and has more scope for improvement would maybe be around the $600,000-700,000 mark. But you’re on the ball with Samuela etc.The way our team looks today and with AD and Latu lining up to play halves I would swap 2 Galvins for Olakuatu, I still think about how incredible the Luai/Kikau combination was at the Panthers, obviously we would need him to play left edge, however I'm sure it would work. Having said that I do look forward to seeing Luai play more in synch with Samuela and unlock him. It seems to me that every time we went left, galvin kept sticking his nose in, hogging the ball and killing any shape. I prefer Bula plays a sweeping role and samuela runs a nice line. Imagine having Luai holding the ball up and Bula sweeping around the back with Samuela running a line...it would open the lanes for all 3 of them.if Manly is the destination, still think it is then i would like tigers to go after Olakuatu. He is good friends with Fainu's and would be perfect for the seyfarth spot, seyfarth to bench.
‘I’m ready’: Latu Fainu ready to make Galvin’s No.6 jersey his own
ByAdrian Proszenko
April 16, 2025 — 3.45pm
Latu Fainu has declared himself ready to step into Lachlan Galvin’s No.6 jersey, believing coach Benji Marshall’s guidance will help fulfil his ambition of becoming Jarome Luai’s long-time halves partner.
Galvin’s future at the club has become clouded after his decision not to entertain a lucrative contract extension in the belief Marshall couldn’t take his game to the next level. At the urging of senior players, Marshall dropped Galvin to NSW Cup.
Phil Gould has labelled the situation “untenable” and predicts there is no way Galvin will see out the remainder of his Tigers contract, which expires at the end of 2026.
Whether Galvin moves on now or later, Fainu is considered the playmaker most likely to fill the void. Currently unavailable due to a hand injury that will likely sideline him for a further three weeks, Fainu has made 11 NRL appearances to date, predominantly off the bench.
However, the 19-year-old believes he is ready to play alongside Luai and make the No.6 jersey his own.
“100 per cent. If [Galvin] is not there, I’m ready,” Fainu said. “I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make this team better. For me, if it means getting that six role, I’m all in.
“When I first came to Wests Tigers, they brought me to play in the halves. That’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. That’s the position I’ve been playing my whole career, since I started playing footy. I feel most comfortable there, I feel I can add more value to the team as a half.
“Whatever the team needs, I’m all in. I love the club.”
While Galvin says he can’t play his best football under Marshall, Fainu believes the former premiership-winning pivot is the perfect person to guide his career.
“Obviously, he has helped me so much on and off the field,” Fainu said of Marshall.
“He was a great player and is a great coach for me. He makes me comfortable in the side and makes me play my best.
“Honestly, when he joins our sessions, I just watch him. When he trains, you get a feel for the mix of how he wants to play and how I want to play. I just want to play like him.
“Whatever the team needs, I’m all in. I love the club.”
“He knows what is best for me as a player. He has given me and my brothers a debut in the NRL. I’m truly grateful to have him as my coach.”
Like Galvin, Fainu was dubbed as the next big thing while coming through the junior ranks. In late 2021, when he was still 16 and at Manly, Fainu signed the biggest contract ever for a player yet to reach NRL level.
When he switched to the Tigers, where he played alongside Galvin in the lower grades, it was Fainu who wore the coveted No.6 jersey.
“He was playing at fullback and then switched to second row when he was playing with me,” Fainu recalled.
The Guilford product said he was keen to play as much football alongside four-time premiership-winning playmaker Luai as possible.
“He’s a great role model, especially for me as a half,” the Tongan international said of Luai. “He knows what he’s doing in on-field situations, but off field he knows what to bring with the culture of the team. He’s just a great person to be around.
“I’m trying to learn as much as I can off him. As much as I want to play this week, I know that I’m injured.
“In talking to Jarome Luai, he’s keeping me up to date and encourages me to take control and play halves with him.”
Fainu said the prospect of playing behind a pack that included Terrell May, Fonua Pole, Alex Twal and Royce Hunt was an exciting one.
“100 per cent, they make our jobs easier,” he said.
“They get to our spots quicker, it makes it so much easier for all of our spine, especially me, Api [Koroisau], Jarome and Jahream [Bula].”
Fainu has already achieved his ambition of playing alongside his brothers Sione and Samuela - who are in the side for the Easter Monday clash against Parramatta - at the Tigers. Now he hopes they get to add to the tally.
“That’s the only thing we want for each other, to play first grade,” he said.
“To continue to play first grade at Tigers, that would be a dream come true.
“It means a lot, they are the only team that trusted us to all play together at the same club.”
I love this kid, love the way he plays and the fact he is 100% in defense...needs to adjust his technique and protect himself a bit more but hopefully his run of Injuries is over. These 3 brothers are really hitting their straps, Sione has improved out of sight the last 2 seasons and Luai at 6 will hopefully bring Samuela into the game a bit more.‘I’m ready’: Latu Fainu ready to make Galvin’s No.6 jersey his own
ByAdrian Proszenko
April 16, 2025 — 3.45pmLatu Fainu has declared himself ready to step into Lachlan Galvin’s No.6 jersey, believing coach Benji Marshall’s guidance will help fulfil his ambition of becoming Jarome Luai’s long-time halves partner.
Galvin’s future at the club has become clouded after his decision not to entertain a lucrative contract extension in the belief Marshall couldn’t take his game to the next level. At the urging of senior players, Marshall dropped Galvin to NSW Cup.
Phil Gould has labelled the situation “untenable” and predicts there is no way Galvin will see out the remainder of his Tigers contract, which expires at the end of 2026.
Whether Galvin moves on now or later, Fainu is considered the playmaker most likely to fill the void. Currently unavailable due to a hand injury that will likely sideline him for a further three weeks, Fainu has made 11 NRL appearances to date, predominantly off the bench.
However, the 19-year-old believes he is ready to play alongside Luai and make the No.6 jersey his own.
“100 per cent. If [Galvin] is not there, I’m ready,” Fainu said. “I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make this team better. For me, if it means getting that six role, I’m all in.
“When I first came to Wests Tigers, they brought me to play in the halves. That’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. That’s the position I’ve been playing my whole career, since I started playing footy. I feel most comfortable there, I feel I can add more value to the team as a half.
“Whatever the team needs, I’m all in. I love the club.”
While Galvin says he can’t play his best football under Marshall, Fainu believes the former premiership-winning pivot is the perfect person to guide his career.
“Obviously, he has helped me so much on and off the field,” Fainu said of Marshall.
“He was a great player and is a great coach for me. He makes me comfortable in the side and makes me play my best.
“Honestly, when he joins our sessions, I just watch him. When he trains, you get a feel for the mix of how he wants to play and how I want to play. I just want to play like him.
“Whatever the team needs, I’m all in. I love the club.”
“He knows what is best for me as a player. He has given me and my brothers a debut in the NRL. I’m truly grateful to have him as my coach.”
Like Galvin, Fainu was dubbed as the next big thing while coming through the junior ranks. In late 2021, when he was still 16 and at Manly, Fainu signed the biggest contract ever for a player yet to reach NRL level.
When he switched to the Tigers, where he played alongside Galvin in the lower grades, it was Fainu who wore the coveted No.6 jersey.
“He was playing at fullback and then switched to second row when he was playing with me,” Fainu recalled.
The Guilford product said he was keen to play as much football alongside four-time premiership-winning playmaker Luai as possible.
“He’s a great role model, especially for me as a half,” the Tongan international said of Luai. “He knows what he’s doing in on-field situations, but off field he knows what to bring with the culture of the team. He’s just a great person to be around.
“I’m trying to learn as much as I can off him. As much as I want to play this week, I know that I’m injured.
“In talking to Jarome Luai, he’s keeping me up to date and encourages me to take control and play halves with him.”
Fainu said the prospect of playing behind a pack that included Terrell May, Fonua Pole, Alex Twal and Royce Hunt was an exciting one.
“100 per cent, they make our jobs easier,” he said.
“They get to our spots quicker, it makes it so much easier for all of our spine, especially me, Api [Koroisau], Jarome and Jahream [Bula].”
Fainu has already achieved his ambition of playing alongside his brothers Sione and Samuela - who are in the side for the Easter Monday clash against Parramatta - at the Tigers. Now he hopes they get to add to the tally.
“That’s the only thing we want for each other, to play first grade,” he said.
“To continue to play first grade at Tigers, that would be a dream come true.
“It means a lot, they are the only team that trusted us to all play together at the same club.”
Let’s get behind Latu!!
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers!
the entitlement of team galvin
vs
grateful from team Fainu
The way our team looks today and with AD and Latu lining up to play halves I would swap 2 Galvins for Olakuatu, I still think about how incredible the Luai/Kikau combination was at the Panthers, obviously we would need him to play left edge, however I'm sure it would work. Having said that I do look forward to seeing Luai play more in synch with Samuela and unlock him. It seems to me that every time we went left, galvin kept sticking his nose in, hogging the ball and killing any shape. I prefer Bula plays a sweeping role and samuela runs a nice line. Imagine having Luai holding the ball up and Bula sweeping around the back with Samuela running a line...it would open the lanes for all 3 of them.if Manly is the destination, still think it is then i would like tigers to go after Olakuatu. He is good friends with Fainu's and would be perfect for the seyfarth spot, seyfarth to bench.
no doubt the attack was clunky with luai and galvin in it
I expect luai to look like a champion minus galvin getting in the way
Crazy if it’s eels because there is no trade there at all. The kid is back in flegg.
SURELY it's not the Eels, Galvin has specifically said that he needs to go to another club to take his game to the next level; That is NOT going to happen with a ex-prop forward as coach. Such a lie. Also, Galvin is surrounded by premiership winners, is there even 1 at the Eels??
Also, this has the hallmarks of the Ciraldo coaching decision and he said no to the Tigers, because he wasn’t ready. Then he’s the HC of Canterbury. #Gould.
Ciraldo signed on as Bulldogs coach Aug 2022.
Burton was already there. And Kikau was signed end of 2021 to begin 2023.
Phil Gould has been the GM since 2021.
Ciraldo rejected WT in June 2022 a few weeks after Madge was sacked.
At that time our CEO was Pascoe, Sheens was something and Chairman was Lawyer Lee.
Jerome was another 18 months away from signing. The only ray of light was Api on the horizon for 2023.
I don't think Cameron wasn't ready for coaching. He wasn't ready for the basket case that was the WT at that time.
It was a simple case of it's not me it's you and he was right. Look at the changes at the WT from that point to now.
Fast forward to Lachlan April 2025. The situation at the WT is completely different. Richo, Barry, Jerome, etc.
WT are not the problem anymore.
He is 19 and people can blame his Manager, Parents all they like but the reality he is old enough to vote and be tried in court as an adult.
Therefore, he has to take full responsibility for his decisions.
Lachlan's situation is of his own making. If by design then so be the consequences, if not, more fool him.
Bed made, sleep in it.
it's all bullshit and it's about the money, also think the fact Latu was waiting in the wings and there was talk of Galvin moving to the forwards in a few yrs. He probably wants a guarantee he will play 6 for his whole contract. They are banking on an early release and a $1m+ per yr from next yr. The deal has been done, especially so when Seibold outright said he is not going to manly, he would know considering he is a Moses managed coach. Eels for sure...they have been very quiet. Cleary said no, Gus isn't talking him up any more so it's Eels for sure. They have form screwing clubs to get players who are still contracted.Crazy if it’s eels because there is no trade there at all. The kid is back in flegg.
SURELY it's not the Eels, Galvin has specifically said that he needs to go to another club to take his game to the next level; That is NOT going to happen with a ex-prop forward as coach. Such a lie. Also, Galvin is surrounded by premiership winners, is there even 1 at the Eels??
Opinion
Tigers to blame as bullies and hypocrites pile on Galvin
Columnist and author
April 16, 2025 — 11.45am
The Lachie Galvin carry-on?
Friends, when it comes to hyperbolic hypocrisy, when it comes to bullying bastardry, when it comes to sheer shittiness in rugba league, I think we have a post-war record, yes? (Which is saying something.)
Tigers young gun Lachlan Galvin breaks his silence on the decision to leave the club at the end of 2026.
For those who’ve joined us late, Galvin is the 19-year-old wunderkind of the newly resuscitated Wests Tigers, a great player who’s been carving ’em up a little like Benji Marshall in his prime. He’s got verve in his swerve, Veuve in his make-up. He plays champagne rugby league that is a joy to watch!
But here’s the thing. Marshall is now Galvin’s coach, and despite the Tigers recently tabling a $5.5 million offer for five years of the young man’s services, Galvin quietly declined. He did not loudly decline. He quietly declined. All the noise since has come from Tigers management and players. It is understood that the reason for Galvin declining to sign the contract is not because he wants more money, necessarily, but because he thinks he might become a better player under another coach, and that Marshall is not necessarily his kind of coach.
Cue, the said hyperbolic hypocrisy, the bullying bastardry, the sheer shittiness led by – of all people – Jarome Luai, who went so far as to put on his Instagram account an image of god-knows-what, emblazoned with the words: “Team first.”
Sorry, what?
“Team first,” Jarome?
YOU’RE the one saying that? Is that the approach you took, when leaving the team you were born and bred to, the one that raised you as a footballer, the one writ large in your very DNA, Penrith? Or did you just observe the greatest of all rugby league traditions – the very one that the game was founded on in 1908 – to take the money and run?
Well, you’re right, you didn’t quite do that.
For in your case, you paused long enough to put a clause in your contract with the Tigers saying you reserved the right to talk to other clubs at the end of this year, and depart after the 2026 season, if you weren’t happy with the way things were going – or, clearly, if you got a better offer. Can you see much “team first” in that clause, Jarome?
You were joined by Api Koroisau, in the delegation that went to see Marshall on Monday to say you didn’t want to play with Galvin any more, and he should be dropped.
You, Api Koroisau, you? Mate, you didn’t even resist the big bucks as long as Luai did, but left the ’Riff two years ago! Who the hell are you to wring your hands and say Galvin has let the side down by choosing to do precisely what you did?
Two other Tigers players have publicly joined the carry-on, turning on their 19-year-old teammate – and the end result is that Galvin has, unbelievably, been dropped to the NRL’s version of reserve grade.
For what, exactly?
Seriously, to be a player as good as Galvin and find yourself in the NSW Cup, you’d have to think he was guilty of at least one cardinal sin – not going out drinking with the boys after the game? – if not two, but I can’t see any. I repeat: everything he did was quiet. All the noise has come from the Tigers, now leading a baying mob of NRL fans, and Galvin has merely responded to it.
And you, Benji, want to tear him a new one for chasing the money? Which one of you, or your players, hasn’t? The only one I can think of in recent times would be ... Lachie Galvin. As far as we know, money is not the driving force in this imbroglio. He simply doesn’t think Marshall is a great coach. Is this not his right?
The end result of the whole debacle is a Tigers train wreck. Bodies, everywhere. Ill will abounding all around. The Tigers were just back on track, starting to win for the first time in yonks. And now this. Through gross mismanagement, what should have been a minor affair has blown up, de luxe, resulting in one of their star players being sidelined and vilified by all and sundry. Seriously, the online hate against him is extraordinary. (Not quite as bad as the hate your humble correspondent gets when I opine that COVID vaccinations were a good thing that saved millions of people, but close.)
And he’s 19!
Get in the bin, the lot of you hypocrites and bullying bastards.
Oh, and if you’d like to discuss it, I’ll either be in my trailer, or hiding behind JT on the sidelines
