‘That’s more important than an award’: Lachlan Galvin won’t be rookie of the year but that doesn’t matter to his coach

If you walked down the street and asked 100 random people who they think should win the Dally M Rookie of the Year Award, at least 90 of them would say Lachlan Galvin without any hesitation based on what he’s done for the Wests Tigers. And while he would be the obvious favourite for the award, Galvin is ineligible after he copped a two-match ban for a hip-drop tackle against the Eels in round 4. Bulldogs sensation Jacob Preston suffered a similar fate last year, with players automatically out of the running for an award if they are suspended for two or more matches. It means Galvin won’t follow in the footsteps of players like Daly Cherry-Evans, Adam Reynolds and Sam Walker who have all won the award on Dally M night, but his coach says that shouldn’t mean anything to those who appreciate what the young five-eighth has been able to achieve this year. “What does rookie of the year even mean, anyway? The notoriety of winning it, what does that actually do for you?” Marshall said following Thursday’s epic win over Manly. “What he’s shown and proven is that he belongs in first grade, and that’s more important than an award, to me. “He’s a pleasure to coach, he never complains, and what you tell him, he takes it on board. “If you give him a bit of time, he could be something very special.” Galvin’s ban means someone like Parramatta’s Blaize Talagi will likely win the award, with the 19-year-old “stung” by the fact he’ll miss out after a stellar 20 games that won’t be defined by one penalty. “It was dumb of me to do the hip-drop tackle, but it does burn a bit (knowing I can’t win it),” Galvin told the NewsWire. “But there are a lot of good rookies who have played really well this year, so I’ll congratulate them. “But yeah, it stings a bit. “I didn’t expect to play NRL this year. I just wanted to go to training and show what I have. I thought I’d play through the grades with Flegg and Cup and then maybe get a taste next year. “I’m so grateful that Benji gave me the opportunity and now I don’t want to let go of the jersey.” The plan was never for Galvin to play every week, with Marshall wanting to rest him at different stages but unable to because of his performances and injuries to teammates. His consistent run in first grade has been one of the best stories for the battling Tigers, with fellow young gun Latu Fainu also producing a couple of highlight plays in the win over a Manly side featuring Tom Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans. “That’s probably the best win I’ve had here to beat a star-studded team like Manly that’s fighting for the top four,” Galvin beamed. “They’ve got star power in Tommy, Daly and Jake, so that was crazy. “Tommy came up to me after the game and shook my hand and told me that I’d had a great year, so that was a pinch yourself moment. “I want to go up and get their signatures, so for these guys to do that is crazy. “I feel like I’m getting more and more confident with each game. “I’m working hard, I’m training hard and I’m trying to build on my performances each week because I’m going up against the best of the best.” Galvin’s future remains uncertain with the five-eighth signed for two more seasons but unable to escape reports suggesting he wants to leave the club. There was no one more popular after the game, with several fans interrupting the interview to call him a “superstar” and urging him to stay, and you get the sense nights like Thursday at Leichhardt could convince him to stay and end their finals drought. “The place was buzzing tonight. Imagine if we were making the top eight or top four,” he said after the Tigers picked up a crucial two points that could help them avoid the wooden spoon. “They all turn up on a Thursday night and are still proud of us, so we want to come back next year and play our best footy so we can give back to our fans after a tough couple of years.”