Galvin is set to partner million-dollar marquee recruit Jarome Luai in the halves next season but knows all too well the Tigers need forwards like Utoikamanu to lay a platform up front.
“I tell him, ‘Just stay here, just stay for a couple more years’, and I think we can turn this club around,” Galvin said.
Lachlan Galvin (left) celebrates Luke Laulilii’s try on debut against Canberra.Credit: Getty Images
“I don’t want to be on the other side marking him. I’m already in the wrestle room with him and I get a bit scared.
“We want him here and as long as I’m here, I want him here with me. 100 per cent we’re trying to get in his ear to stay. He’s a massive part of this team as you’ve seen in the last two weeks. He’s killed it. So we want him here as a Wests Tiger.”
Multiple release requests from Galvin’s camp prompted CEO Shane Richardson to meet with the 18-year-old and his family to assure them Galvin was central to the club’s plans. The youngster duly pledged to remain at the Tigers until the end of 2026.
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The contract saga saw Galvin’s loyalty called into question by pundits and punters in the streets. Galvin believes it has helped clear the air around some grievances though, including the Tigers roster turnover and additional coaching support for Marshall.
“We just let [CEO Shane Richardson and head of football Matthew Betsey] know what we thought was best for my career,” Galvin said.
“They were really good about it and said they were going to help me and try to get me to be the best player I can be in my career.
“You get a few occasional comments [from fans] but they’re allowed to have their opinion and I’m just going to keep working hard. Obviously it hurts. I don’t want to let people down or let the club down that gave me my [NRL] opportunity.
“I think I showed them (against Canberra) that I want to be at this club for the next two years and change it.”