NRL tightens anti-tampering rules to prevent clubs publicly courting players
Signing Lachlan Galvin was a coup for Bulldogs boss Phil Gould. But not everyone was impressed.
The NRL has tightened its anti-tampering rules in an attempt to dissuade club officials from publicly courting rival players – an issue that was highlighted last season by Lachlan Galvin’s controversial mid-season transfer from Wests Tigers to Canterbury.
Galvin had been contracted to the Tigers until the end of 2026 but his agent informed the club early in the 2025 season that the teenage playmaker would not be extending his tenure.
Phil Gould made it obvious he was a huge fan of Lachlan Galvin, before the Bulldogs signed him after Wests Tigers granted him a mid-season release.Credit: Nick Moir
Galvin eventually secured a release in May to link with the Bulldogs, signing until the end of 2028 on a deal worth considerably less than the Tigers were willing to pay him.
Canterbury’s influential general manager, Phil Gould, had previously lavished Galvin with praise, declaring on his Six Tackles with Gus podcast in August, 2024: “I think he’s the best teenage footballer I’ve ever seen. I think what he is doing is absolutely extraordinary.
“Lachlan Galvin will earn more money out of rugby league than any other player in history.
“In the future, whoever has Lachlan Galvin in their side will be winning premierships.”
Lachlan Galvin playing for the Bulldogs against his former Wests Tigers teammates.Credit: Getty Images
Gould’s comments were widely criticised by commentators for “planting a seed”, although he defended himself on Channel Nine’s 100% Footy, saying: “How did I publicly court Lachlan Galvin? What did I say? I’ve praised a lot of players.”
Nonetheless, it appears Gould may need to be more circumspect in future after the NRL announced on Friday that new rules have been introduced to “prevent parties from interfering in contract discussions through public statements”.
The NRL statement said: “Clubs have been advised that the definition of tampering will now include certain public and private statements that could be seen as attempts to lure or entice a player to join another club.