Benny Elias Advocates for Wests Tigers to Sign Teen Prodigy Lachie Galvin to a 10-Year Deal
Balmain legend Benny Elias is calling on the Wests Tigers to secure teenage sensation Lachie Galvin with a long-term 10-year contract, likening the move to the “stroke of genius” that led the Sydney Swans to acquire Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin.
Elias’s bold statement comes as two players well-versed in rugby league’s lengthy contracts—Manly’s Daly Cherry-Evans and North Queensland’s Jason Taumalolo—prepare for their playoff matches this weekend. Together, their contracts are worth over $20 million, and both players have recently delivered standout performances in the NRL finals.
The Cowboys will face Cronulla on Friday night, while the Sea Eagles take on the Roosters on Saturday. The discussions surrounding the effectiveness of long-term contracts have reignited, especially given Taumalolo’s deal, which has drawn scrutiny over his performance this season. Despite this, rugby league legends believe both contracts have proven to be wise investments.
Elias argues that investing in players like Galvin should be viewed as a strategic move for the future. “It’s a great topic,” he remarked, emphasizing that more clubs should have the courage to commit to long-term deals.
Manly great Steve Menzies also weighed in, noting that Cherry-Evans’s extended contract has been beneficial for the club. Cherry-Evans, who signed an eight-year deal in 2015, has continued to excel on the field, showcasing his value not just in terms of gameplay but also in leadership and culture within the team.
As the NRL landscape continues to evolve, the debate around the viability of lengthy contracts remains relevant, with key players like Galvin emerging as potential candidates for similar commitments. The future of these investments will be crucial as teams look to build strong foundations for success.
