‘Tragedy’: Phil Gould baffled by Tiger gun’s $5 million mistake

Phil Gould has forecast boom Tigers playmaker Lachlan Galvin is headed for trouble as details of a $5 million play emerge.

Phil Gould has warned boom Tigers playmaker Lachlan Galvin not to accept a monster $5 million contract.

The rugby league guru on Monday night said Galvin is not ready for the pressure and expectations that would come from an offer the Wests Tigers are reportedly set to offer the talented 19-year-old.

It was reported last month the Tigers want to sort out an extension for Galvin sooner rather than later given he is able to negotiate with rival clubs on November 1, with his current deal ending at the conclusion of the 2026 season.

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According to Fox League’s NRL 360, multiple clubs are already lining up to have a crack at Galvin should the club fail to land his signature before then.

It was reported on Monday night the Tigers are ready to offer a deal worth around $5 million over five years. According to rugby league journalist Danny Weidler, who spoke on Channel 9’s 100% Footy, the contract will be formally offered to Galvin and his management soon.

Retaining Galvin would be a good-luck story for the joint-venture club, but Gould believes the contract would be a mistake for Galvin.

Lachlan Galvin and Phil Gould. Photo: AAP and Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images.

“It’s brilliant money (but) it puts a lot of pressure and scrutiny on him,” Gould said on Channel 9.

“He probably shouldn’t be on that money at that age, there is no reason to do that to a young kid. Neither the club or his manager will allow that to happen.

“They aren’t going to allow him to come through the system as he should. It is too much scrutiny.

“Money comes with responsibilities, obligations and expectations — you want to throw it on a kid that young?

“Go and ask all the great playmakers, they didn’t want it at that age.”

Gould was flustered that Galvin’s future was being discussed publicly when he remains under contract for a further 18 months.

“It’s way too early to be talking about Lachlan Galvin,” Gould continued.

Lachlan Galvin’s try celebration. Picture: NRL Photos.

“He needs to stay at the Tigers. The Tigers need to come up with something to keep him there.

“I hope he stays at the Wests Tigers, I really do (because) it would be a tragedy for him to lose that place.”

The Bulldogs football boss has previously spoken with adoration about Galvin’s potential and has suggested he will win a premiership at some point in his career.

“Lachlan Galvin will earn more money out of rugby league than any player in history,” Gould said on the Six Tackles With Gus podcast in August.

“That is going to be my prediction. I think he’s the best teenage footballer I’ve ever seen. I think what he is doing is absolutely extraordinary.”

Parramatta have been mentioned as a possible suitor for Galvin since Dylan Brown’s departure leaves the club with cash to splash.

Galvin is a Parramatta kid and grew up supporting the Eels.

One club that won’t enter the race for Galvin is the Roosters, according to Nine, because the Bondi club refuses to deal with Galvin’s manager Isaac Moses.

Moses and the Roosters, including powerful chairman Nick Politis, have fallen out with Moses and refuse to deal with the player agent because of previous negotiations that have fallen over.