Wests Tigers junior Iverson Matai emerges as contender to replace Lachlan Galvin

From an off-contract veteran to a rising star from the Bulldogs, TYSON JACKSON breaks down who the Wests Tigers could look to after Lachlan Galvin walks out on the club.

As the dust settles and the reality has sunk in, Lachlan Galvin will be gone. Which begs the question: Is there another great white hope lurking in the inner or south-west?

Latu Fainu was brought to the club at the end of 2023 to be the boom rookie who would be commanding the Tigers around the park for years to come.

But an untimely injury allowed a teenager in Galvin swan in and take his boots, forcing Fainu to wait his turn again.

Now is his time.

Who will replace Lachlan Galvin at the West Tigers? Picture: Jeremy Piper

One of the few Tigers to speak out publicly, Fainu put his hand up to move into the starting five-eighth role at the club, which could have him back to where he started.

The explosive 19-year-old has impressed in his 11 first-grade games, and hasn’t quite been able to leave his imprint in the halves.

Fainu was one of the most talked about halfbacks coming through the junior system.

But he has only played three games in the halves for the club, with the rest having him scattered across the field from the bench.

Yet there are also other talents coming through the ranks.

Latu Fainu will likely start at five-eighth when he recovers from injury. But there are other options. Picture: Getty Images

TYSON JACKSON breaks down the Tigers halves stocks, from the NRL squad through to Harold Matthews (under-17s).

Among them are off-contract veterans, as well as a young prospect who came from Canterbury in what was effectively a swap deal.

ADAM DOUEIHI

The ultimate utility for the club, Doueihi loves getting his hands on the ball and will be licking his lips to move closer to the action.

With Fainu sidelined, Benji Marshall has turned to Adam Doueihi to step into the halves. Picture: Getty Images

IVERSON MATAI

Beloved at the Bulldogs, but took a bit more time than expected to build into a top class five-eighth. Matai came to the club right as they lost boom rookie Alex Conti to Canterbury. And after some time in NSW Cup last year, the young gun is dominating the Jersey Flegg competition. Matai loves running the ball and is one of the top rising prospects coming through the ranks.

Young gun Iverson Matai could be a star of the future for the Wests Tigers. Picture: NRL Photos

KURT FALLS

New recruit brought in to play NSW Cup, Falls has NRL experience and comes from one of the best production lines we have seen in recent times.

Stepping in as Jarome Luai’s replacement when he was at Penrith, Falls has proven more than capable at the top grade, and a genuine five-eighth option.

Kurt Falls playing for the Panthers in a trial match against the Parramatta Eels. Picture: Getty Images

JAYDEN SULLIVAN

Highly doubtful as Sullivan has said publicly he wants to remain at the Rabbitohs, however he is signed for next season and could be back at the club as soon as November 1. The man the Tigers signed to take them into the future had his struggles last year, but he could find himself back at Concord if the club chooses to welcome him back, and Sullivan chooses the same.

EIDEN ACKLAND

The biggest loser of Galvin’s dropping to reserve grade, Ackland had a stellar debut for the Magpies last week, with 10 runs, a line break and try assist under his belt. The 27-year-old journey man may have age under his belt, but if needed can be called upon.

Originally published as Wests Tigers junior Iverson Matai emerges as contender to replace Lachlan Galvin