Inside story: How Phil Gould hoodwinked Parramatta Eels to sign Lachlan Galvin

In a corporate box at CommBank Stadium on Friday night, Parramatta officials thought they had their man. Less than 36 hours later their mood changed dramatically. This is how the Eels lost Lachlan Galvin to the Bulldogs.

Tucked away in a corporate box at CommBank Stadium on Friday night, Parramatta officials were in a buoyant mood as they watched their side put Manly to the sword.

A win is always good, particularly when you have struggled to get them like the Eels have this season. Yet this one tasted all the sweeter, because Eels officials had been locked in talks with Lachlan Galvin’s agent Isaac Moses earlier that night and walked away with a sense that they were winning the fight for the teenage Wests Tigers star.

Parramatta, after all, could offer Galvin a seamless path into their side alongside NSW star Mitchell Moses, where he could grow and learn from one of the best in the business.

Mitchell Moses had made no secret of his desire to have Galvin at the club and it is understood the pair already had a relationship.

Moses saw Galvin as the perfect foil as part of the club’s rebuild under Jason Ryles. The Eels were also willing to pay Galvin more money than the Bulldogs, having upgraded their initial offer to the point where it was now believed to average more than $800,000 a season.

The feedback they received was positive and they watched the closing stages of their side’s win over the Sea Eagles with a sense of satisfaction, albeit with the caveat that nothing is ever done in rugby league until the signature is on the dotted line.

Phil Gould got his man.

They had been stung by Isaac Moses before, having lost the fight to keep Blaze Talagi only last year. Still, relationships had been repaired in recent months, illustrated by the retention of centre Will Penisini and prop Sam Tuivati - both were managed by Moses’ company the Cove Agency.

The departure of Talagi, as painful as it had been, was also seen in some respects as a move that could work in their favour when it came to Galvin.

Part of the rationale for Talagi’s departure - at least from the Moses camp - was that he could work and learn alongside Nathan Cleary.

In Mitchell Moses, the Eels had the perfect mentor for Galvin. Yet less than 48 hours after the Eels’ win over Manly, their unease was vindicated.

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Word began to filter out that on Sunday afternoon that Galvin had told the Bulldogs his preference was to join them and the crestfallen Eels now face the prospect of exploring alternative options.

A weekend that promised new hope delivered another sledgehammer blow for Ryles and Parramatta. The 19-year-old had indicated a preference to take up a deal with the ‘Dogs that is believed to only reach $750,000 in the third and final season - a decision that was confirmed later on Sunday by ‘Dogs head of football Phil Gould in his alternative position as a commentator with the Nine Network.

Gould had batted his eyelids at Galvin for months, yet he had also distanced his club from the teenage prodigy. He insisted that the landscape changed last week when Galvin and Isaac Moses were given permission to explore their options.

Others viewed Gould’s swoop with more suspicion. They believed that he had long coveted Galvin and had used his position as a commentator with Nine to shower Galvin in praise as part of a patient plan to lure him to the club.

That said, there is no doubt that Galvin’s close relationship with Bulldogs assistant coach Luke Vella had played a part in his change of heart. Galvin has spoken openly of his admiration for Vella and the pair continue to talk regularly.

His imminent arrival is set to have a domino effect at the Dogs. Halfback Toby Sexton is now on the market after it came apparent he was not part of the club’s future plans.

There is every chance he would have been in NSW Cup next week with Bailey Hayward at halfback.

Galvin’s arrival gives coach Cameron Ciraldo another option in the halves.

Hooker Reed Mahoney has also been given permission to explore his options for next season, despite being under contract, with Hayward looming as the long-term option at hooker.

Mahoney has previously had interest from North Queensland and the Cowboys are likely to take another look at the Bulldogs rake.

That is cold comfort for the Eels, who are not in need of a hooker and must now start again in their quest to find a partner for Mitchell Moses. Although they are likely to take a breath before dipping their toe back in the water.

Parramatta coach Jason Ryles has missed out on another star. Picture: NRL

That is cold comfort for the Eels. They must now start again in their quest to find a partner for Mitchell Moses, although they are likely to take a breath before dipping their toe back in the water.

The good news is they have money to spend and there are options, although not a truckload of them. Melbourne half Jonah Pezet is an obvious target given he already has a relationship with Ryles through their time together in Melbourne.

Pezet is under contract at the Storm and has an agreement in place that he can explore his options should Jahrome Hughes extend his deal in Melbourne.

Hughes is believed to be close to doing just that, meaning Pezet may seek out a permanent move or a loan deal. Either way, the Eels would likely explore the prospect of signing one of the most talented young halves in the game.

Sydney Roosters half Sandon Smith shapes as another option, although he too is under contract for next season. However, the imminent arrival of Daly Cherry-Evans, the return of Sam Walker and the emergence of Hugo Savala means that the Roosters are oversupplied with halves.

Smith seems likely to be the odd man out and already North Queensland are circling with intent. The chance to stay in Sydney and learn off Mitchell Moses may be more appealing as Smith weighs up his next move.

As for Galvin, he is expected to begin training at the Bulldogs this week provided there are no late hitches. He could play first game for the club in a fortnight. Their next opponent will be Parramatta at Accor Stadium on the King’s birthday public holiday.