Lachlan Galvin will leave Wests Tigers when his contract expires at the end of 2026. Rated among the brightest stars of his generation, the 19-year-old five-eighth knocked back what the Tigers called "the largest offer for a junior in the history of the club" to test the open market in November. The Tigers, who confirmed the impending departure, will not entertain an early release for Campbelltown product Galvin, whose future had been subject to speculation before a ball had been kicked in 2025. Galvin's camp had agitated for an early exit from the club during a stellar 2024 rookie season before being talked down as the Tigers finished with the wooden spoon. The club has not been contacted about a release on this occasion. "Obviously, there will be a lot of speculation around this release, but we will make no further comment," the Tigers said in a statement. "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. Parramatta are expected to be interested in the teen sensation given they will lose five-eighth Dylan Brown to Newcastle for 2026. Manly, Canberra and Penrith are among NRL clubs facing uncertainty around the long-term future of their halves combinations.