“Teams prefer not to pay unless necessary,” James explained. “I told Shannon, ‘If you cover half, I’ll cover the rest.'”
Galvin senior’s concern was unnecessary. Gallant’s mission includes bringing back the best young players who have left for other clubs. Young Galvin was a top priority, and after Gallant checked with one of his former coaches, Wayne Lambkin, the club gladly covered the cost.
“I was happy to help,” Gallant stated. “There were talks of potential development fees, but the club was eager to pay to bring one of its promising talents back.”
“When I spoke to Wayne about him, I didn’t even need to finish his name,” Gallant recalled. “He said, ‘Do whatever it takes to bring him back.'”
The investment in the development fee has paid off handsomely. At just 18 years old, Galvin is set to make his NRL debut for the Tigers against Canberra on Saturday.
The Campbelltown native will form a new halves pairing with former Dragon Jayden “Bud” Sullivan in Benji Marshall’s inaugural game as head coach.
Galvin’s journey is remarkable. Upon returning to his junior club, the Western Suburbs Magpies, he found two contracted junior halves already in place. As a result, the Westfield Sports High graduate spent the 2022 season playing in the back row, contributing to an undefeated team that claimed the premiership.
“He really thrived and enjoyed it,” James remarked. “It worked out perfectly.”
Even though he is still a teenager, Galvin has earned the respect of his NRL teammates. Considered the fittest player at the Tigers, the teenager set a club record for the 1.2km Bronco trial with an impressive time of four minutes and 15 seconds.
“When we saw him in action, he was dominating everyone in the fitness drills,” noted Tigers captain Apisai Koroisau. “That’s what caught everyone’s attention, and then he started playing some footy, and he’s just as good at that too.”
Tigers forward Stefano Utoikamanu added, “Oh, he’s a great kid. He’s trained really hard to earn this opportunity, and it’s well-deserved. He’s getting his chance now, and everyone will see how well he performs. I think he’s a fantastic player, so I’m thrilled. He’s ready for this.”
Fellow forward David Klemmer remarked that Galvin displayed a maturity beyond his years.
“He could have easily used the excuse that he’s just an 18-year-old kid, just testing the waters,” Klemmer remarked. “But he’s come in here full throttle, winning every single fitness drill and test by a mile. He’s trained hard, done all the hard work. He’s a credit to himself. And now he’s earned his debut.”
James noted that his son, standing at 193 centimeters tall, is incredibly driven for success.
“The only funny thing about Lachie is that he’s a huge eater,” James added. “If he comes home from training and his mother hasn’t prepared his food, it’s like he’s going to cry.”
