When Lachie Galvin wanted out of Wests Tigers – the first time – one of the first phone calls his manager made was to the Penrith Panthers. It was the end of 2023, and five-eighth Jarome Luai had just announced he would be leaving the premiers to take up a lucrative five-year deal at the Tigers for the start of the 2025 season. Galvin was yet to debut for the Tigers, but he had concerns about the club’s recruitment strategy, with three playmakers – Aidan Sezer, Jayden Sullivan and Latu Fainu – on the books already and now Luai due to arrive as their marquee halfback the following year. It was reported at the time that Tigers CEO Shane Richardson met with Galvin’s family on the eve of the 2024 season to assure them the teenager was a big part of their future plans.