EXCLUSIVE: Billy Slater Open to Mid-Season Transfer Window Amid Ongoing Contract Negotiations

Billy Slater has acknowledged that a mid-season transfer window may be a viable option for the NRL, following the most recent high-profile contract controversy.

The last two weeks have been largely consumed by Lachlan Galvin’s announcement regarding his exit from the Wests Tigers at the conclusion of his current contract.

What has raised eyebrows is not just that the young talent is leaving, but that he has made this decision a staggering 18 months in advance.

Galvin is under contract with the Concord-based club until the end of 2026, yet he has already informed Shane Richardson and Benji Marshall of his intention to move on.

Numerous rival clubs have started to express interest in the 19-year-old, even though he is prohibited from discussing or signing with them until November.

During an appearance on Nine’s Billy Slater Podcast, the iconic fullback and current Maroons coach was asked about potentially reforming the existing contract system and whether a mid-season window for player transfers could be effective.

“Perhaps – I’m not opposed to the idea,” Slater responded.

“At the moment, I believe we’re looking too far ahead and the timelines are excessively long.

“Take the Lachie Galvin situation – he’s decided on his future a full 18 months before his contract concludes. There’s clarity that he won’t be continuing at the Tigers, but he must wait another six months before he can converse with another team.”

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“If the Tigers clinch the premiership this year and then follow it up with another triumph next year, I can assure you Lachie Galvin would want to remain on board.

“We’re making commitments far too early, and I believe that needs to be reconsidered.

“Whether through a transfer window or otherwise, the gap between when players decide their futures and when they actually depart their current clubs is excessively lengthy.”

In recent years, it has become the norm for players to wear team colours for an entire 12 months, all while being well aware they have no intention of remaining.

In some instances—consider Jarome Luai at the Panthers or Zac Lomax at the Dragons—it works out well. However, there are numerous instances where things have taken a turn for the worse.

Slater also provided sage advice for emerging stars like Galvin, who find themselves in high demand early in their careers and may get tempted by the financial offers that come their way.

“We’re making decisions about players’ futures far too soon,” he remarked.

“The best advice I could give to young footballers is that if you perform well, the right contracts will follow. Whether it’s an extra $50,000 or $100,000, in the grand scheme of things, it becomes less significant as your career progresses—if you play well enough, you’ll be compensated handsomely.”

“Just focus on your game, give it your all, and don’t let contract matters cloud your judgement until it’s truly necessary. It’s far too early to stress about contracts in a player’s career.”