The Parramatta Eels are on the hunt for a replacement for Dylan Brown as details of Lachlan Galvin’s late change of heart emerged.
Galvin was reportedly leaning towards signing with the Eels, before a late play from the Bulldogs saw him choose Belmore as his next home.
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Bulldogs legend and NRL 360 host Braith Anasta questioned how the Eels deal fell through given Galvin’s links to the club.
“He was a Parramatta fan. You have got Mitchell Moses in his ear and the potential to play with him. Isaac Moses manages both Mitchell and Lachlan. Why? What happened?” Anasta askedon NRL 360.
The Daily Telegraph’s Brent Read revealed Galvin looked set to join the Eels on a more lucrative deal last Friday.
“I don’t know the exact reason why, I can only assume… obviously he’s close to Luke Vella,” Read said.
“I think there were some phone calls made over the course of the weekend and his mind changed.
“But as of Friday night my understanding was that Parramatta were quietly confident he was coming to them and on more money.”
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Attention then turned to who the Eels could target on the open market with the panel listing all the contract halves for 2025 and 2026.
Daly Cherry-Evans and Adam Reynolds head the list of players without a deal at the end of the season, a group that also includes Cody Walker, Jake Clifford, Jackson Hastings and Toby Sexton.
The 2026 free agents are headlined by Storm superstar Jahrome Hughes while Luke Metcalf, Sandon Smith, Tyran Wishart, Jack Cogger, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Lachlan Ilias, Kodi Nikorima and Jack Cole also on the list.
Read revealed a decision on Hughes’ future could end up playing into the Eels’ hands.
“Jonah’s obviously got that agreement that if Jahrome Hughes extends, he can look at potentially going on loan or leaving the club,” Read said.
Veteran journalist Phil Rothfield, meanwhile, named Roosters five-eighth Sandon Smith amid reports he is being shopped around.
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“I was told over the weekend that Sandon Smith will leave the Roosters, even though he’s got a year to go, with Cherry-Evans coming and he was strongly favouring the Cowboys,” Rothfield said.
“I’ve since learnt that Parramatta, now they know Galvin’s not coming, will have a decent crack for Sandon Smith.”
Should the Eels be prepared to wait a season then their options expand with Read pinpointing a breakout Warriors star while Rothfield urged Jason Ryles to raid bitter rivals the Panthers.
“I would have a red hot go at Metcalf if you can convince him to leave New Zealand,” Read said.
“I tell you who is a terrific player, Jack Cole, who can’t get a game at Penrith,” replied.
“And I reckon they could get him out now. I think he’s a very, very sharp and competent player, and I know he lost his spot to Blaize Telagi, but I just think he’s a very good first-grade footballer.”
