Esteemed NRL pundit and former half Matty Johns has given his advice to Wests Tigers' young star Lachlan Galvin, days after he requested a release from the club.
Galvin, who emerged onto the scene at the start of this season, has been one of the most impressive rookies in recent memory and at just 18 years old, the Tigers faithful have had every reason to believe in the schoolboy star.
However, after a promising start to the season, the Tigers have spiraled out of control and are now on the back of nine straight losses, sitting at the bottom of the NRL ladder.
Reports emerged on Sunday morning that after his side’s embarrassing 56-14 defeat at the hands of the Dragons, Galvin requested an immediate release from his contract, which the Tigers denied just as quickly.
With his future now hanging in the balance and premiership heavyweights Penrith Panthers and Sydney Roosters circling him, Johns warned Galvin to not be “that player” who jumps ship.
“Firstly, I do feel sorry Galvin and his family, you just know what player managers are like, persuasive,” Johns told SEN 1170 The Run Home.
“I feel for him because as a young player, judging by his reputation going through schoolboy level he would’ve dominated and most of the sides he was apart of would’ve won, he finds himself at the moment at a team that’s getting close, if not rock bottom, they’re getting really close and it’s hard.
“My advice to Lachie would be, ‘Mate I understand what you’re going through but don’t be that player, certainly not at 18 years of age that jumps and leaves the club.”
The Panthers have a vacant spot in 2025 for the No.6 jersey and with a decent amount of cap space have become the favourites to poach the rookie sensation.
“I think at this point in his career, Lachie, what he has to understand, the most important is his learning curve, how he gets educated with his football, the things that he learns are the most important things, it’s not chasing that win,” Johns added.
“He will learn more, in my opinion, during these tough times than if he just strolled into a top four side and just basically swam in the wake of everything that was going on around him.
“I understand how tough it is, I really do, but the cavalry is coming, he’s got Jarome Luai coming, they’ve got a lot of injuries at the moment, they’ll get those guys back.
“I truly believe there is light at the end of the tunnel for the Tigers, he’s just got to hang in there.”
The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio boldly declared on SEN 1170 Breakfast on Wednesday morning his view that Galvin would not be wearing a Tigers’ jersey come 2025.