Former Sharks captain Paul Gallen has called on the NRL to reinstate June 30 as the deadline for players to sign with other clubs, expressing his frustration amidst the Lachlan Galvin contract controversy that has shaken the Wests Tigers and the league this past week.
The rugby league icon described the recent events at the Concord club as “unfair” to Tigers supporters and the sport as a whole.
Galvin is under contract with the Tigers until the conclusion of the 2026 season, but fans at the club are already aware that the promising five-eighth will be donning colours for a rival team in 2027, following reports this month that he and his manager, Isaac Moses, turned down a six-year extension valued at approximately $5.5 million.
In the interim, Tigers fans are left to witness Galvin competing for their team, fully aware that the 19-year-old is not committed to their cause and is planning to depart.
According to the NRL’s player transfer regulations, the former Australian Schoolboys captain can officially sign with another club from November 1.
Gallen advocates for a system where players cannot sign elsewhere until June 30 of their final contract year, a practice that was previously in place.
Wests Tigers young star Lachlan Galvin. Getty
“Speaking to the subject of June 30, that’s one thing I wish the NRL would reinstate,” Gallen mentioned on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show.
“Back when I was coming through … you weren’t able to negotiate with other clubs until June 30. Nowadays, by July 1 or 2, you’d see players already signed elsewhere. We were aware of that happening.
“But it was all happening behind the scenes; managers were engaged with clubs discreetly. It wasn’t in the public eye.
“Now, Lachlan Galvin finds himself 18 months away from leaving the Wests Tigers, and the Tigers fans must support him while he is there, having to deal with the circumstances. Technically, he hasn’t done anything wrong.
“However, the reality that fans must back him for the following 18 months while he prepares to move to another club is a concern. It’s clear he doesn’t wish to stay with the Wests Tigers.
“As a former player, I believe that players should have clarity about their future well before September, October, or November. Hence, bringing back the June 30 deadline would prevent these issues for Lachlan Galvin until June or July 2026.
“Fans wouldn’t have to endure the situation this year and next, knowing he intends to leave.”
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Just a month prior to the Galvin incidents unfolding, Dylan Brown and his manager Chris Orr sent shockwaves through Eels fans and the wider league community.
The talented Parramatta five-eighth secured a 10-year deal with Newcastle reported to be worth as much as $14 million, set to commence at the end of this season.
As Brown prepared for his first game following this revelation, Eels supporters unleashed boos upon him when his image appeared on the big screen at CommBank Stadium during Parramatta’s player line-up announcement.
Subsequently, there was contract turmoil surrounding Manly skipper Daly Cherry-Evans, who has alerted Sea Eagles management that he would not be remaining at the club beyond this year and is open to joining a rival team.
The debacle surrounding Galvin has garnered particular criticism, especially as two of his Tigers teammates, including halves partner and co-captain Jarome Luai, posted biting remarks on Instagram aimed at the young player following the club’s announcement.
Rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns christened the contract situations as a “circus,” urging the NRL and the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) to convene and address the issues at hand.
“It’s detrimental to the game,” Gallen commented regarding the Galvin affair on Sunday.
“It’s unjust for the fans who have to endure this.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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