Lachlan Galvin‘s name has been spoken about more than almost any other NRL player this year for a myriad of reasons.
But according to Andrew Johns, the 20-year-old doesn’t rank in the top five young stars in the game, such is the quality of those around the same age group.
Galvin has dominated headlines throughout the course of the season, with his exit from the Wests Tigers – despite having a $1 million offer on the table – and subsequent move to the Bulldogs dividing opinion across the game.
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The five-eighth has had some bright sparks in his early days at Canterbury, but the criticism has come thick and fast whenever the side has lost a game.
Lachlan Galvin. Getty
Galvin has registered 10 try assists in 19 games this year, but the Dogs have struggled for consistency with him steering the ship at halfback.
As a result, during a debate on Nine’s Freddy and The Eighth, one of the greatest playmakers of all time admitted that as it stands, Galvin doesn’t rank among the elite 21-years-and-under players in the competition.
“I haven’t got him in the top five,” Johns said.
I’m sure he will go to the top – but at the moment, on form, I haven’t got him.
“You know what though, [he is] mentally tough. He has been under all sorts of media pressure, but he turns up and gets his job done.”
It’s a bold call from Johns, especially given the fact one of the game’s great minds in Phil Gould has described Galvin as the best teenager he’s ever seen.
Phil Gould. SMH
Brad Fittler was full of praise for the way Galvin attacks the contest and wants the ball in his hands – even if it doesn’t always go his way.
“Lachy is one of those players who is playing a pretty big role at a club and he did so at the Tigers,” the Roosters legend said.
“The thing I love about Lachy, he chases the ball and he’s really competitive and constantly chasing the game. If he hasn’t got the ball, he’s chasing it – he’s like a dog.”
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Instead of having Galvin on his list, Johns ranked Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa, Warriors forward Leka Halasima, Raiders star Ethan Strange, Roosters centre Robert Toia and Panthers speedster Casey McLean ahead in regards to young talent.
The Knights and NSW Blues legend has been an outspoken admirer of Katoa’s work since he came into first grade two years ago as a teenager.
Isaiya Katoa. Getty
The 21-year-old has since gone on to represent Tonga on the international stage and has also acted as Dolphins captain in the back half of this season.
Johns believes the Penrith product could surpass everyone when it comes to the all-important No.7 jumper as his career progresses and believes he would be ready for State of Origin if called upon next year for the Blues.
“He’s ready to go now,” Johns said.
“He could without a doubt, but you’ve got Nathan [Cleary] and [Mitchell] Moses. I’ve got to say, he’s probably number three in line, he’s probably gone past Jarome (Luai) at this stage.
“You don’t want to burn him also, but he’s ready to go.
“This bloke is number one [player 21 and under] by the length of the straight, at the moment. Where he gets to in the game, who knows?
“As a halfback, he might go past everyone.”
Katoa has 20 try assists to his name this season – more than any other halfback in the competition – while also averaging 109 run metres per game.
