Lachlan Galvin won’t run out for New South Wales in the State of Origin decider, but his latest call-up suggests it’s only a matter of time before he does. Less than two years into his NRL career, the Bulldogs young gun has already become one of the first players Laurie Daley turns to when the Blues need extra cover.
Galvin has joined the New South Wales camp alongside Penrith centre Casey McLean as the Blues complete preparations for Wednesday night’s winner-takes-all clash with Queensland at Suncorp Stadium. The pair have been brought into camp to assist preparations following several injury concerns within the squad, while also gaining valuable experience in the Origin environment.
Although neither player has been added to the playing squad, the invitation is another significant milestone for Galvin, whose rise has been nothing short of remarkable.
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The 20-year-old has quickly established himself as one of the NRL’s brightest young playmakers since joining Canterbury, with his composure, vision and running game earning widespread praise from coaches and former players alike. His performances this season have already sparked calls for higher representative honours, and his inclusion in Blues camp will only strengthen the belief that an Origin debut is not far away.
For Galvin, the opportunity is about far more than helping the Blues prepare for Game III.
Training alongside players such as Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Payne Haas and James Tedesco provides invaluable experience that few young halves receive so early in their careers. It also gives Laurie Daley and the NSW coaching staff another chance to assess how one of the game’s most exciting prospects handles the demands of an Origin environment.
The same can be said for Casey McLean, who continues to impress after breaking into Penrith’s NRL side and has also spent time in Blues camp throughout this year’s series.
Galvin’s call-up also caps a whirlwind 18 months.
After making his NRL debut as a teenager, enduring a highly publicised exit from the Wests Tigers and beginning the next chapter of his career at Canterbury, he now finds himself rubbing shoulders with the state’s elite players as New South Wales prepares for one of its biggest games in recent memory.
Whether Galvin plays Origin in 2027 or has to wait a little longer remains to be seen.
What seems increasingly clear, however, is that the Blues already view him as part of their future.
For a player still at the beginning of his career, that’s arguably the biggest vote of confidence he could receive.
