The Wests Tigers have been dealt yet another significant setback in a season already clouded by instability, with promising youngster Tom Galvin choosing to leave the club and join the Canterbury Bulldogs — the same path taken by his older brother, Lachlan, whose mid-year departure created major headlines across the NRL landscape.
In what is rapidly becoming a turbulent chapter for the Tigers, the development ranks have now suffered a heavy hit, as the recruitment tug-of-war between the two clubs continues to intensify. The Bulldogs, already buoyed by the successful acquisition of Lachlan, have now doubled down by luring his younger brother Tom to Belmore, adding another layer to an already complex rivalry.
Lachlan Galvin’s move earlier in the year was one of the most publicised transfers of the 2025 season, reshaping the direction of both organisations. His exit sparked fierce debate, fan disappointment, and widespread commentary on the Tigers’ ability to retain elite young talent. Now, with the club grappling with internal unrest and off-field controversies, the news of Tom’s departure arrives at an especially inopportune moment.
Tom Galvin, just 19, has long been regarded as one of the brightest prospects in the Wests Tigers junior pathway system. A tall, skilful lock with the mobility to also feature at five-eighth, he has been steadily building his reputation through the representative ranks. This season, he played a key role for the Macarthur Wests Tigers in the Laurie Daley Cup, showcasing his ball-running strength and versatility. The year prior, he featured prominently in the Harold Matthews Cup, reinforcing his place among the club’s most promising young forwards.
Despite his potential, the opportunity to further his career at Canterbury — and reunite with his talented older brother — appears to have been an irresistible pull. While the Tigers had hoped to integrate him into their next generation of NRL-calibre talent, the Bulldogs struck swiftly, identifying the long-term upside he brings to their junior systems and future roster planning.
Tom is expected to begin his journey at Belmore through the SG Ball Cup or Jersey Flegg Cup competitions, though he will need to impress the coaching staff during pre-season trials to secure his initial placement. For Canterbury, the signing represents both an investment in their future and a continuation of a strategic recruitment trend focused on strong family connections and development continuity.
A source close to the Galvin family offered insight into the younger brother’s attributes, noting the stylistic differences between the siblings while emphasising the potential Tom brings to the Bulldogs system.
"Tom is a different player to Lachlan - he is much taller than him and more of a runner," the source told Wide World of Sports.
"But he has ability and the boys will be happy to be playing for the same club again."
The comments reflect a sentiment shared by many young players: the value of stability, familiarity, and support when transitioning through the demanding stages of elite football development. Reuniting with Lachlan, now several months into his new life at Canterbury, may provide the comfort and guidance Tom feels he needs to accelerate his career.
From the Tigers’ perspective, however, the optics are far more troublesome. Losing one Galvin was damaging enough; losing the second — especially a rising star who had been nurtured through their junior framework — raises further questions about the club’s retention strategies, internal cohesion, and long-term planning. Coupled with recent reports of off-field turmoil, the organisation finds itself confronted with yet another challenge in its ongoing quest to rebuild competitiveness and restore stability.
The saga also highlights a broader issue within the NRL: the increasingly aggressive nature of youth recruitment, and the difficulty clubs face when trying to prevent promising juniors from being lured by rival teams offering more attractive pathways. For the Bulldogs, their assertive approach under new football leadership has yielded significant returns, enhancing the club’s depth and building a platform for sustained success. The acquisition of both Galvin brothers is likely to be viewed as a major coup, particularly if Tom develops into the calibre of player many believe he can become.
While Tom’s immediate focus will be earning his place in the Bulldogs’ development squads, the long-term vision stretches far beyond that. Canterbury officials see him as a potential first-grade contributor within the next few seasons, especially if he can refine his physicality, decision-making, and consistency. His natural athleticism, height advantage, and ball-running style already make him a standout among his peers.
For Wests Tigers supporters, the news is understandably deflating. After years of struggling to retain top-end talent, the club now faces the harsh reality of losing two highly regarded brothers in quick succession. The emotional impact of seeing the Galvin siblings line up in blue and white — rather than orange and black — is sure to resonate deeply.
As the Tigers attempt to regain control of their narrative and repair trust with their fanbase, the Bulldogs will continue to build momentum, strengthening their junior foundations while capitalising on opportunities created by rival instability.
Whether Tom Galvin ultimately follows Lachlan into the NRL spotlight remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his move adds another dramatic twist to the unfolding rivalry between the two clubs, and ensures that the Galvin name will remain one of the most talked-about topics in rugby league development circles for some time to come.
