Lachlan Galvin may have played last game for Wests Tigers

Lachlan Galvin may have played his final game for the Wests Tigers with the club and wantaway star locked in talks which could see the young playmaker granted an immediate release.

Lachlan Galvin may have played his last game for the Tigers as the club and his agent discuss the terms of an immediate release for the wantaway teenage star.

The parties, having previously butted heads over Galvin’s treatment at the club, have been locked in discussions which could lead to Galvin heading to the open market before the June 30 deadline for player movement.

It is understood the final hurdle is how the terms of any release would be framed given the Tigers would want a transfer fee or a player in exchange for allowing Galvin – whose deal does not expire until the end of next year – to leave.

Galvin’s camp would also likely need to end any potential legal action against the club. The Tigers have the bye this weekend and while both parties have remained tight-lipped there is optimism that a deal could be done as early as this week.

Latu Fainu is also due to return from injury next week meaning the Tigers have cover in the halves should Galvin depart.

Galvin has already informed the Tigers that he will leave the club at the end of next season, when his current deal is due to expire.

Lachlan Galvin (L) could head to the open market before June 30. Picture: NRL Photos

The Tigers were ready to table a deal worth up to $6 million to keep Galvin at the club but he made it clear his mind was made up.

Galvin was dropped in the aftermath of that decision before he was subsequently recalled by coach Benji Marshall. However, sections of the Tigers faithful have clearly not moved on – he was booed by some supporters when his name was read out at the weekend and then abused after he was sin-binned in the side’s loss to South Sydney.

The Tigers also looked disconnected and it appears that game was the final straw as the club and Galvin look to cut their losses and go their separate ways.

If he is to depart, it would make a significant about-face. The Tigers initially insisted Galvin would see out his deal and Galvin made it clear he was happy to see out his contract.

However, it now seems likely that his exit will be fast-tracked after chief executive Shane Richardson was given the green light by the board to continue discussions with Galvin’s agent Isaac Moses over a path forward.

The Bulldogs and Parramatta are believed to be the frontrunners to sign Galvin. The Dolphins have also been linked with the teenager but it is understood he is not currently on their radar as they focus their energy on signing Manly veteran Daly Cherry-Evans as the long-term halves partner for Isaiya Katoa.

Complicating matters between the Tigers and Galvin is the ongoing legal action that the teenager has kicked off against the club amid claims of bullying.

Galvin’s camp have requested mediation to resolve the issue but it may not be necessary should the Tigers agree to a release in the coming days or weeks.

Under the game’s contracting rules, Galvin has until June 30 to move clubs for this season which means the parties have more than a month before a move this year is off the table.

However, there is understood to be an acknowledgment on both sides that it is in the best interests of both parties for Galvin and the Tigers to go their separate ways.

The Tigers have Fainu already in their system and have been linked with Brisbane half Adam Reynolds, who is off contract at the end of the season and yet to agree to a new deal with the Broncos.

Reynolds’ preference is to remain in Brisbane and they remain in the box seat to retain him should he play on next season. The Tigers also have Jayden Sullivan on loan at South Sydney and he is expected to return to his home club next season.

Originally published as Lachlan Galvin may have played last game for Wests Tigers