The Bulldogs’ offer to sign Lachlan Galvin is reportedly less than the $750,000 per-season deal originally reported with the Eels upping the ante in their chase for the young gun.
The 19-year-old met with both Canterbury and Parramatta Eels officials on Wednesday after the Tigers agreed to let the teenage sensation depart the club immediately.
James Hooper reported on Sunday that Galvin has told his camp he will be joining the Bulldogs
Canterbury will have to pay a $165,000 transfer fee.
Meanwhile, Phil Gould previously indicated the Bulldogs were out of the race for his signature.
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However, according to Code Sports, the fact Canterbury could recruit Galvin immediately piqued the Bulldogs’ interest, with Galvin previously only being available in 2027.
That factor reportedly was significant for the ladder leaders, while their offer was also reportedly less than the Eels’ deal which would mark a savvy recruitment move.
Parramatta, meanwhile, will be desperate for Galvin to partner Mitchell Moses, with Dylan Brown departing for the Knights at the season’s end.
For league legend Michael Ennis, Galvin’s decision to leave behind the $6 million extension said to be offered by the Tigers over five years was a huge insult to the club.
He also was of the belief the Bulldogs would shape as an ideal landing spot for the teenager.
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“The original decision, which I thought was such a clip for the Tigers, that Lachlan Galvin didn’t take up a $1.2 million deal from the Tigers for five seasons,” Ennis said.
“Because he, I am paraphrasing, wanted to develop his game. To then go to Parramatta or Canterbury for $750,000, a $2 million difference just to leave.
“My gut feeling says he is going to be at Canterbury. I think he may end up at Canterbury and I think it will be a huge signing.
“Canterbury at the moment leading the competition… doing so many things on and off the field so well.
“Cameron Ciraldo a terrific coach and you are seeing players play their best footy under him. Players who were elite are finding improvements in their game.”
It comes as Nine Newspapers reports the scrutiny on Galvin has cost him a chance to join the Blues in Origin camp.
According to Danny Weidler, Galvin was earmarked to be invited into Laurie Daley’s camp during their preparation for gake three in Sydney.
Galvin was due to be one of several players on the cusp of selection or seen as future NSW representatives.
Now, however, the Blues are set to pull the offer due to concerns Galvin’s situation would be a distraction.
