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Ben Hunt Finally Lifts the Trophy for Brisbane Broncos

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Adam Reynolds (left) Ben Hunt of the Broncos celebrate winnin the NRL Grand Final match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Melbourne Storm at Accor Stadium in Sydney.

Brisbane Broncos, veteran Ben Hunt can finally sleep soundly. After years of carrying the weight of a past mistake, the ultimate redemption story culminated in a premiership ring on Sunday.

Following the thrilling 26-22 Grand Final victory over the Melbourne Storm, the 35-year-old looked like a man who had shed a giant burden forever.

Many PNG fans remember the heartbreak of the 2015 Grand Final.

In that devastating 17-16 loss to the North Queensland Cowboys, it was Hunt who dropped the crucial kick-off in golden-point extra-time. For a decade, he wondered if he would ever make it back to the big stage to make amends.

He did get back, and he got the job done.

So, how many sleepless nights did he endure in the interim?

“I can’t count them. There were plenty,” Hunt said in the jubilant Broncos dressing room.

“I’ve dreamt of this moment for the last 10 years. I really have. It’s taken 350-plus games but it is all worth it. It really is. All the hard yards … the family, friends and coaches that have put time into me over the years, it’s a little bit of repayment for them.”

Hunt admitted he tried to keep his focus only on the game, but the emotional floodgates opened at the siren.

“I hadn’t thought too much about the redemption side of it. I just tried to focus on this game really but now that’s it is done and has sunk in, it is a weight off the shoulders,” he said.

“It’s okay for me to talk about the 2015 grand final now because we have moved on and got another one.”

“When the siren went, it instantly hit me like a ton of bricks.”

Broncos coach Michael Maguire summed up the sentiments of the entire rugby league world about five-eighth Hunt’s title dream finally being realised.

“Benny Hunt in 2015 … he had a tough moment in the grand final. To be able to give him a hug after that was a special moment because I know what players go through,” Maguire said.

“They get beaten up at times and the critics don’t miss them.”

“To see a smile on his face and just sitting in the changing room with the players with just a grin from ear to ear, it’s bloody unreal.”

Hunt said his move to rejoin the Broncos where he made his debut, after linking with St George Illawarra for seven turbulent seasons, was “probably the best decision I ever made.”

The veteran had to watch the final tense moments from the sidelines after being concussed with eight minutes to go. His halves partner, fellow 35-year-old Adam Reynolds, was right there with him after he was replaced with a calf injury in the 49th minute.

“It was one of those head knocks where it hits you flush. I knew I was stumbling,” Hunt said.

“I couldn’t get my legs under me but I had my wits about me. I definitely didn’t have on my bingo card that me and Reyno would be on the sideline with a couple of minutes to go, that’s for sure.”

“I went back out with about three minutes to go and it was a long bloody three minutes.”

Reynolds and Hunt embraced immediately after full-time. The two old mates came together in what Reynolds jokingly called “a nursing home” moment full of emotion.

“Ben deserves it probably more than anyone. He has been through his ups and downs,” Reynolds said.

“To see him get this moment at full-time and embrace him was certainly a career highlight.”

“We have both been through a lot over the last couple of years and when he came back to the club it was all about trying to achieve this dream.”

Source: Australian Associated Press

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Bulldogs Warned to Fix “Comfortable” Mindset

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Bulldogs’ Viliame Kikau and captain Stephen Crichton are calling for the team to fix its “too comfortable” mindset as they head into the final stretch of the season.

The Bulldogs have had an up-and-down month, alternating between strong wins over Manly and the Warriors and disappointing losses to the Tigers and Roosters.

This inconsistency, according to Kikau, comes from a lack of effort.

“Just some of the areas that we pride ourselves on, all the effort areas, that came up a few times,” Kikau said after reviewing the loss to the Roosters.

“That’s been addressed and hopefully it doesn’t happen again.”

Crichton agreed that the problem is mental, not physical.

“It’s kind of tapping into that mindset, where your mindset was in those two good games and where that mindset was in the two bad games,” he said.

The Bulldogs’ season will be defined by the next seven weeks, not the past seven months, Crichton warned.

“We were playing really good footy at the start of the year but no one remembers what happens at the start of the year. It’s where we are right now and the opportunity right in front of us is very special.”

The team’s senior players are taking charge to ensure there is no complacency when they face the Storm.

“As leaders of the group, we try and address it straight away so we don’t get that in the team,” Kikau said.

“Hopefully there’s none this week.”

Source: Australian Associated Press

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Kumuls Star Johnston Cleared to Talk with New PNG NRL Team

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South Sydney Rabbitohs legend, Alex Johnston is now free to begin early negotiations to become the first player for Papua New Guinea’s new NRL franchise.

Johnston, who recently signed a two-year contract extension with the Rabbitohs, has a special clause in his deal that allows him to start talks with the new team before the usual cut-off date. This gives the PNG franchise a major advantage in securing a high-profile player with deep ties to the country.

Johnston’s grandmother was born in Papua New Guinea, and he is a proud representative of the Kumuls, having played 10 Tests for the national team. His connection to the country is well known, and he has often spoken about his love for PNG and its passionate fans.

South Sydney CEO, Blake Solly confirmed the special arrangement stating “Alex said with his connection to PNG it would be cool to be player number one.”

“He has been a captain of the national team, played 10 Tests and is revered in PNG. He will always have a home here at Souths, but if Alex and his family do decide they want to be part of the PNG team on its entry to the NRL competition; we respect and support that decision,” Solly added.

During a recent visit to PNG, Johnston expressed his strong interest in joining the new team.

Beyond playing for the new franchise, Johnston is also motivated to represent the Kumuls in the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Australia and Papua New Guinea. He hopes to help the team go further in the tournament than ever before.

“My motivation has always been to win competitions. Now it’s also to create a legacy and play for my family and make them proud,” Johnston said.

“I want to encourage those young kids playing rugby league to dream big.”

Currently, Johnston is closing in on the all-time NRL try-scoring record. With 207 tries in 239 games, he is just six tries shy of Ken Irvine’s record of 212. He will have a chance to add to his tally this weekend when the Rabbitohs take on the Gold Coast Titans.

Source: Australian Associated Press

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Storm Claim Top Spot as Broncos Face Injury Nightmare

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In a big blow for the Brisbane Broncos and their hopes of a top-four finish, the Melbourne Storm have taken over the number one spot on the NRL ladder.

The Storm’s 22-2 victory over the Broncos at AAMI Park on Thursday night was a strong display, but the real story was the shocking injury toll suffered by Brisbane.

Broncos coach Michael Maguire was left stunned after both his star halves, Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam, were knocked out of the game in the same play just 21 minutes in.

To make matters worse for the Brisbane faithful, winger Selwyn Cobbo also went off with a hamstring problem late in the match. All three players are now waiting for scan results that will determine the severity of their injuries, putting a massive hole in the Broncos’ side.

The injuries happened in a bizarre sequence as Reynolds and Mam chased down Storm winger, Xavier Coates after he intercepted a pass. While Cobbo made a brilliant try-saving tackle on Coates, the play proved costly for the Broncos. Mam suffered his injury in the tackle, while the experienced Reynolds pulled up clutching his leg moments later.

To their credit, the Broncos, with hooker, Ben Hunt and center, Kotoni Staggs filling in as a makeshift halves pairing, fought hard and kept the game close for a while.

But the Storm, a very strong team, were too good.

Tries from Tyran Wishart and Ryan Papenhuyzen gave Melbourne a 12-2 lead at half-time, and they finished the job in the second half with two more tries, including a penalty try.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy was very happy with his team’s performance, especially their strong defence, which kept the Broncos from scoring a single try.

This result continues a bad run for the Broncos at AAMI Park, where they have not won for nine years.

The Storm have now won 17 of their last 18 games against the Brisbane side.

For the many NRL fans across Papua New Guinea, this is a worrying sign for the Broncos, a team with a huge following in the country.

The loss of key players like Reynolds, Mam, and Cobbo could be a big problem for their premiership ambitions as the finals get closer. Everyone will be hoping for good news from the scans.

Source: Australian Associated Press

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Dolphins back in NRL eight after blitzing Cowboys

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Two rugby players, one dark skinned and one light skinned wearing red dolphins jumpers.

The Dolphins have had plenty of “finest hours” this year, but their 43-24 win over North Queensland was one of the best, despite nervous moments in the second half.

With 10 of their top 30 out injured, the Dolphins were brave and brilliant at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night to destroy the Cowboys and all but finish their top-eight hopes.

The Dolphins roared back into the NRL top eight with a brilliant attacking display inspired by new No.6 Jake Averillo and rampant fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow. 

Back-rower Connelly Lemuelu had one of his best games as a Dolphin behind a rampant Averillo who continues to shine no matter what position he plays.

“I love what he brings to the team,” Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf said.

“He’s just a real footy player. Wherever we put him he gets the job done. He’s played four positions the last five weeks and handled every one of them really well.” 

Dolphins back-rower Oryn Keeley, who was sensational, was put on report for a dangerous tackle on Jaxson Paulo, and the Cowboys lost star winger Murray Taulagi to a left hamstring injury while scoring his second try. 

The Dolphins led 24-6 at halftime after the Cowboys had 29 tackles inside the opposition quarter compared to two for the Dolphins.

The hosts, in front of 23,172 fans, went out to a 34-6 lead in the 47th minute with tries to Harrison Graham and Jamayne Isaako and appeared set for 50 points.

The Cowboys had other ideas. Taulagi went over out wide, No.6 Jaxon Purdue drew fullback Scott Drinkwater, and half Tom Dearden finished a long-range attacking play to score a third try in eight minutes. 

Averillo put the result to bed with a 76th-minute try.

The first half showcased the Dolphins at their best. Keeley crashed over after a stellar pass from skipper and halfback Isaiya Katoa inside five minutes.

The Cowboys hit back minutes later, with Taulagi scoring his 60th career try out wide with a brilliant cutout pass by Drinkwater. 

The hosts were under assault early but hung on with true grit, before a 95m burst by  Averillo after a Cowboys error gave the Dolphins a 12-6 lead.

Averillo was at it again in combination with star centre Herbie Farnworth to send Tabuai-Fidow flying in for another long-range try. 

Tabuai-Fidow dropped his next chance cold from a Farnworth pass, but Averillo was on fire with another super pass. Lemuelu streaked away and Tabuai-Fidow did the rest. 

The second half was see-sawing, but the Dolphins never looked like losing to a Cowboys side who must now win all their remaining games to make the top eight.

“It was very disappointing conceding the points we did in that first 40,” Cowboys coach Todd Payten said.

“It put us under far too much pressure and it was too much to chase down. We showed a heap of fight to get us back in the game but there were a couple of costly moments with 12 or 13 minutes to go.” 

The Dolphins once again showed how resilient they are, no matter who is playing. Prop Peter Hola made his club debut while rookies Aublix Tawha (prop) and Tevita Naufahu (wing) were also strong.

“I just love the way they keep turning up for each other,” Woolf said.

Source: AAP

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Broncos Stage Stunning Comeback Against Sharks

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Brisbane pulled off an incredible comeback, overturning a 16-point deficit to defeat a wasteful Cronulla 34-28. Broncos fullback Reece Walsh was the spark that ignited their resurgence.

It looked like the Broncos were down and out when Sharks hooker Blayke Brailey darted over from dummy half in the 56th minute, putting Cronulla up 28-12 in front of 39,042 fans at Suncorp Stadium. But the home side had other plans, scoring four tries in just 18 minutes, with Walsh setting up two, to snatch fifth position on the ladder from the Sharks.

“I guess we expect Reece to come up with those things. He just keeps competing,” Broncos coach Michael Maguire said.

“The captain (Adam Reynolds) spoke to them at halftime and sharpened them up a bit.

“It was pleasing that with their backs against the wall … to fight the way they did and get the win at the end.

The match was not without its dramatic moments. Sharks forward Teig Wilton was taken to hospital in the first half after suffering blurred vision from an eye injury. Then, just before halftime, Sharks winger Sione Katoa had what was described as a “brain explosion,” getting sin-binned for a ridiculous touch on Ezra Mam while he was on the ground in the ruck.

Despite the Sharks being a man down, the Broncos couldn’t capitalise immediately. Brailey scored from close range, and the result seemed secured for Cronulla. However, the Sharks then completely fell apart.

Brisbane Broncos rugby players
Ezra Mam of the Broncos scores a try during the NRL Round 16 match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AAP Image/Jono Searle)

Broncos winger Ronaldo Mulitalo was ruled to have knocked on, and Walsh made the Sharks pay with a pinpoint pass to centre Gehamat Shibasaki. Sharks five-eighth Braydon Trindall then kicked out on the full, allowing Broncos winger Josiah Karapani to storm in, even as Sharks half Nicho Hynes fell over claiming an obstruction.

Skipper Adam Reynolds then weaved through traffic and delivered a basketball-style pass for Karapani to complete his second try in as many weeks. Reynolds nailed the conversion from the sideline, giving Brisbane a 30-28 lead. The comeback was sealed when Walsh carved through Hynes to set up Shibasaki for his second try of the night.

“Our discipline to stick to our plan and defence has been poor for weeks. Even when we were leading, you could see signs we were hanging on,” Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon said.

“I’m not going to sit here and make excuses. We need to do something about it. We’ve got to address our discipline.”

The first half was a bizarre affair, with the Sharks leading 22-12 at the break. Brisbane’s kicking game and line speed were poor, with fullback Walsh even giving up two seven-tackle sets. The Sharks, in contrast, attacked with freedom, with halves Trindall and Hynes playing key roles.

Trindall set up centre Siosifa Talakai for a try and then put Wilton through a gaping hole, with fullback William Kennedy finishing it off for a 10-0 lead.

The Sharks had opened the scoring through Talakai after Broncos winger Jesse Arthars spilt a bomb. Kennedy scored his second with a classic try after Hynes sent second-rower Briton Nikora on his way.

Trindall then put Hynes through for a stroll to make it 22-6, after Broncos hooker Cory Paix darted over from dummy-half for a soft try. Mam’s try just before halftime kept the home side in the contest, setting the stage for their incredible second-half turnaround.

Source: Australian Associated Press (AAP)

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Slater says Maroons won’t be dictated to on kick-off

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Spencer Leniu of the Blues is tackled by Harry Grant and Patrick Carrigan of the Maroons during Game 1 of the State of Origin 2024 between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Accor Stadium in Sydney, Wednesday, June 5, 2024.

A defiant Billy Slater has declared that the Queensland Maroons won’t be pressured into kicking off to NSW firebrand Spencer Leniu in State of Origin II.

As Maroons prop Tino Fa’asuamaleaui said he was not scared of Leniu on Tuesday, Slater would not be drawn on whether the Maroons would kick to the Blues front-rower.

Of the four long kick-offs from Queensland in their game one loss, none went to Leniu or Payne Haas, in what has since been labelled by some as a pre-determined plan.

The situation left Leniu fuming, with the Sydney Roosters prop appearing to swear in frustration as the Maroons changed the direction of their kick to avoid him.

Haas has largely stayed away from the debate over the past week, but on Monday said he would want the ball kicked off to Leniu if he was in the Maroons side, since he’d want the chance to take down a powerful rival.

Former NSW front-rower Willie Mason has also accused the Maroons of being “s**t scared” of Leniu, while Braith Anasta labelled Queensland “weak”.

Slater dodged a question on Tuesday on whether Leniu would have the chance to take a hit-up from a kick-off at Optus Stadium.

But the Maroons coach did defend his team’s right to prioritise their own tactics over the entertainment factor.

“We don’t ask Nathan (Cleary) to kick to a specific corner. He does what he wants,” Slater said of the Blues halfback. 

“He gets his game on. So, we’ll be getting our game on.

“I get all the dilemma about it, but at the end of the day, it’s about building a game and a game plan that best suits you.  

“It’s not about what (the media) want or anyone else wants.”

Asked about the issue, Maroons front-rower Fa’asuamaleaui rejected any suggestion Queensland’s pack were scared of Leniu.

“I’m not scared of anyone,” Fa’asuamaleaui said.

“I just want to do my job for Queensland and I’m not going to back down from anyone and that’s our whole team. 

“We’re just going to get out there, get our game on and do what we do best and play our game.

“(We’re) not backing down from anyone.”

Slater wouldn’t say whether the Maroons would make late changes to their pack, or if Kurt Mann could start at hooker in place of Harry Grant.

The Maroons have won six of eight games when Grant has come off the bench, as opposed to a 0-4 record with him starting.

NSW second-rower Angus Crichton had accused Queensland of mind games last week, refusing to believe Jeremiah Nanai and Pat Carrigan weren’t starting.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has already let slip that he will move to the right wing at Optus Stadium, after playing left centre in the series-opening 18-6 loss in Brisbane.

That defeat has piled the pressure on Slater, who has already axed captain Daly Cherry-Evans and replaced him with Tom Dearden in the halves.

Written by: Scott Bailey (AAP)

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Don’t sack me: Cherry-Evans responds to legend’s call

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Daly Cherry-Evans of the Maroons is seen after losing the State of Origin game one match between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane

Queensland’s rugby league captain, Daly Cherry-Evans, wants to keep playing as halfback and make history for his team. This comes after a former great player for the other team (NSW), Andrew Johns, said Cherry-Evans should be replaced.

Queensland lost their first game of the series against NSW. After that, Johns said that Tom Dearden should take over Cherry-Evans’ position as the No. 7 halfback.

Johns said, “I think they have to pull the trigger and bring Dearden in.”

Andrew Johns doing broadcast duties during the NRL Round 18 match between the Parramatta Eels and the New Zealand Warriors at Commbank Stadium in Sydney, Friday, July 15, 2022. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)
Andrew Johns doing broadcast duties during the NRL Round 18 match between the Parramatta Eels and the New Zealand Warriors at Commbank Stadium in Sydney, Friday, July 15, 2022. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)

Dearden usually plays another position but has played well before.

Cherry-Evans, who is the oldest player to ever play for Queensland in these games, didn’t play his best in the last match. However, Queensland has never taken their captain off the team in the middle of a series.

Another Queensland legend, Shane Webcke, said it’s a tough situation.

“I am a bit worried. There’s some serious questions to be asked. And unfortunately, one of them I think might be Daly Cherry-Evans.

“I just feel like he’s at that point in his career. And when you see him with (No.6) Cameron Munster tonight, the magic wasn’t there. And that worries me.

“And I hate to suggest something about a bloke like Daly Cherry-Evans, but I feel like at the end of the last series, we probably lost the opportunity with a bloke like him.

“He’s 36 years old. But the opportunity was probably there to reinvent a bit. And I think we might pay a price for not having done that,” Webcke concluded

Cherry-Evans knows people talk like this after a loss. But he wants to make history by winning the series.
Queensland has never lost the first home game and then won the series, which has two away games. They now need to win in Perth and Sydney to win the trophy.

Cherry-Evans said, “Those stats are there to be broken. That’s the mentality we’ve got to have, create our own bit of history.”

He also said, “Sometimes you have to do things not the way you planned it at the start.”

He believes his team can overcome this: “It’s a greater sign of a team facing adversity, overcoming obstacles and that’s the opportunity we’ve got in front of us. I believe in the group and I believe in everyone, from the coaching staff to the playing group.”

He added, “Queensland will be cheering from afar, so we have to do them proud.”

Cherry-Evans also responded to people saying he’s not good enough anymore.

“When you lose, it’s just natural in this game that those questions will be asked.

“I just have to go away, look at my own performance and where I can help the team get better. I am certainly not the one to lose self-belief, that’s for sure.

“Because of the role I have for this side, I will definitely take my share of responsibility and look really hard at where I can help the team get better for the next game. It’s always difficult after a loss being in the position I’m in. It’s not lost on me,” added Cherry-Evans.

Cherry-Evans has been in this situation before. In 2020, his team was called the worst ever, but they still won the series. That’s why he still thinks they can win this time.

He said, “There’s a lot of people in this group who have played a lot of footy together.”

He finished by saying, “This is going to be our greatest test and because of the relationships and the talent in the team, that’s why I’ve got so much belief we can do this.”

Source: Australian Associated Press

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Queensland Under Pressure After Origin Loss, Big Changes Could Be Coming

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Daly Cherry-Evans of the Maroons during the State of Origin game one match between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

The talk in Australia is all about what Queensland will do after their 18-6 loss to New South Wales in the first State of Origin game.

One of the biggest talking points is the future of Queensland captain and halfback, Daly Cherry-Evans.

A legend of the game who has played many times for the QLD Maroons, Cherry-Evans wasn’t at his best in this first match.

Now, a former great player for NSW, Andrew Johns, has said it’s time for Queensland to make a big change.

He believes they should drop Cherry-Evans and bring in Tom Dearden at halfback.

Dearden, who played off the bench in the first game, is a young gun who can really spark things up.

Tom Dearden (left) of the Maroons is tackled by Nathan Cleary of the Blues during the State of Origin game one match between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
Tom Dearden (left) of the Maroons is tackled by Nathan Cleary of the Blues during the State of Origin game one match between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AAP Image/Darren England)

Johns didn’t hold back, saying Queensland looked like they couldn’t fix their problems. He also thought NSW could have won by a lot more if they played even better.

“Look, no one beats Father Time and DCE is what, (36)? I think they have to pull the trigger and bring Dearden in,” Johns said on Channel Nine TV.

” I don’t know where the improvement comes with this group.

“NSW, if they were on tonight, they win by 40 or 50. They left so many tries out there and they’ll be better for that. 

He also suggested other changes for Queensland, mentioning players like Corey Horsburgh and Jai Arrow. But the big question is whether they will replace their captain, Cherry-Evans, with Dearden.

“I don’t know if they can go up another level, Queensland. I think there has to be changes with Corey Horsburgh, he’s one I think can add something. 

“Jai Arrow is an Origin player, but the big one is Dearden and whether they pull the trigger on Dearden with DCE.”

Dearden has shown his class before, playing well for Queensland last year and being outstanding for Australia in the Pacific Cup.

When asked if he wanted another chance to prove himself in the next game, Cherry-Evans said, “Yeah, definitely. When you lose, these questions come up. I’d love the opportunity to come back and make things right.”

Another former Queensland captain, Cameron Smith, also spoke about the situation. When asked if it was time for Queensland to move on from Cherry-Evans, he said the coach, Billy Slater, would have the final say.

“There’s no doubt that the key position players of Queensland lacked a bit of cohesion tonight. In the crucial moments of the game they just couldn’t get the job done.”

Queensland had a rough night. They gave away too many penalties, their attack wasn’t smooth, and they didn’t control the middle of the field. They also made poor choices on the last tackle and missed a lot of tackles – 48 in total!

Coach Billy Slater said they need to review what went wrong.

“That’s probably something for the review, and looking through the the tape and, obviously sitting down with the group. At the end of the day it’s got to come from the players,” he said.

Slater doesn’t think it’s just about the players they picked.

“I definitely don’t think it’s a personnel thing. I know what this team’s capable of and and that’s why you can probably see I’m disappointed because they haven’t played their best footy. 

“I feel responsible to try and help them get there. So it’s definitely not a personnel thing. They’ve had a great attitude as well. But to the discipline side of the game, the attitude wasn’t  good enough.”

So, the big question for all you rugby league fans here in PNG is: will Queensland stick with their experienced captain, Cherry-Evans, or will they bring in the young talent of Tom Dearden to try and turn things around in the next game? It’s going to be interesting to see what happens!

Source: Australian Associated Press

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Galvin to become hot property as Tigers exit confirmed

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NRL CHALLENGE BULLDOGS TIGERS

Superstar five-eighth Lachie Galvin has set the stage for an almighty NRL tug-of-war by knocking back Wests Tigers’ contract offer and setting his sights on finding a new club for 2027.

The Tigers announced on Monday the 19-year-old, among the top talents of his generation, would not be at the joint venture after his contract expired at the end of the 2026 season.

Campbelltown product Galvin rejected what the club called “the largest offer for a junior in the history of the club” – reportedly worth around $5 million across five seasons – and will be free to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1.

The Tigers will not entertain an early release for Galvin, whose future had already been subject to speculation before a ball was kicked in 2025.

Galvin’s camp unsuccessfully agitated for an early exit from the club during a stellar 2024 rookie season but have not made the same request this time.

It means Galvin will not be up for grabs as the NRL undergoes a halves merry-go-round for 2026.

Parramatta and Manly are both hunting an elite playmaker for next season given the impending departures of Dylan Brown and Daly Cherry-Evans but would need to wait another year to have Galvin on their books.

“We would like to announce that Lachlan Galvin will not be with the club beyond the 2026 season,” the Tigers said in a statement.

“Despite the club having the largest contract offer for a junior in the history of the club on the table, Lachlan and his management have decided his future lies elsewhere and were not willing to review the offer.

“Obviously, there will be a lot of speculation around this release, but we will make no further comment.

“The club is focused on winning as many games as possible during Lachlan’s tenure and beyond. The club is disappointed, but we move on.”

The news looms as a crushing blow for a Tigers side finally appearing to find its feet after three consecutive seasons finishing on the bottom of the ladder.

After years struggling for direction from their halves, the Tigers have forged an impressive 3-3 start to the year thanks in no small part to Galvin’s chemistry with new halfback Jarome Luai.

There is set to be significant rival interest in Galvin, who would likely have won the Dally M Rookie of the Year award in 2024 but for a two-game suspension.

Parramatta are expected to be keen on the teen sensation.

Galvin played junior football for the Eels before being cut and landing at the Tigers to help feeder club Wests win the Harold Matthews Cup in 2022.

He is also managed by Isaac Moses, who also handles Eels half Mitch Moses.

But for Parramatta, making a play for Galvin would mean finding a stop-gap to play next to halfback Moses in 2026.

Galvin’s manager also has strong ties to the Sea Eagles, counting coach Anthony Seibold, five-eighth Luke Brooks and winger Tommy Talau among his clients there.

Manly are currently in the hunt for a playmaker to replace Cherry-Evans and have been linked with Canberra veteran Jamal Fogarty.

Canterbury general manager of football and broadcast pundit Phil Gould has previously spoken highly of Galvin, whom he last year rated as the best teenage talent he had ever seen.

The Bulldogs recently ruled out making a play for Cherry-Evans for 2026 on the grounds they backed their current first-choice playmakers Matt Burton and Toby Sexton.

But a 19-year-old with a bright future ahead could be a different proposition.

Bulldogs prop Max King laughed off speculation Galvin could join the Bulldogs from 2027 when quizzed on Monday.

“It’s out of my jurisdiction to be making those calls, otherwise I’d just be signing myself up for a million bucks,” he joked.

“Our depth has been a massive part of us and I just love where we’re going as a club.”

Written by: Jasper Bruce © AAP 2025

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