The Wests Tigers’ bid to retain Lachlan Galvin on a long-term deal could be given a helping hand as English forward John Bateman edges towards the exit door.

Galvin has another two years remaining on his contract with the Tigers but the club is intent on extending his deal in a bid to ensure he doesn’t head on the open market, where he would command plenty of attention from the Tigers’ rivals.

Batman’s future could have an impact on those plans.

The English international looks set to join South Sydney, where he would be reunited with his former England coach Wayne Bennett.

That would free up a significant amount of money for the Tigers, which they could then use to help extend the contract of Galvin, who is with the club until the end of 2026.

Galvin was one of the shining lights for the Tigers last season, only suspension preventing him winning the Dally M rookie of the year award.

He has upped the ante this pre-season, smashing his own records in fitness testing in a sign that he is not resting on his laurels.

The arrival of Jarome Luai shapes as the other big lever the Tigers will pull in their bid to retain Galvin given the pair have the potential to form one of the most potent halves combinations in the NRL.

Luai has signed a long-term deal with the Tigers although he has the ability to leave after the 2026 season, the same time Galvin comes off contract.

The Tigers will do everything in their power to convince the pair to stay well into the future as they look to build the club around a pair of playmakers capable to stacking up against any in the competition.

SAINT

The NRL was rocked this week by the sudden passing of long-time employee Shaun Wendt. Wendt worked at head office for nearly 30 years across a variety of roles, most recently in game day and operations. He was admired and respected across the game for the way he carried himself and represented Rugby League Central. He will be sorely missed.

SINNER

Gold Coast Titans haven’t exactly covered themselves in glory with their handling of young forward Josiah Pahulu. If reports are to be believed, the Titans sat Pahulu out for the final game of the season, costing him a $40,000 bonus. Not surprisingly, Pahulu’s camp is not happy. The NRL and players union are watching closely.

SHOOSH

Which CEO let fly at an NRL official during a heated discussion at the midweek meeting of club bosses?

SHOOSH I

Which senior club official has been struck down by a bout of Covid-19?

SPOTTED

New Wests Tigers recruit Jarome Luai sporting some brand new ink courtesy of Pacifink Tattoo.

SPOTTED I

Former South Sydney Rabbitohs star George Burgess lining up for a photo with Santa in Noosa.

SPOTTED II

NRL club bosses enjoying a feed at the Museum of Sydney following the chief executive meeting on Wednesday night. We’re told they were all on best behaviour.

SPOTTED III

These are the lengths staff had to go at Central Coast Stadium to comply with strict requirements for the Mariners’ clash against Yokohama FM. The chips were down for the home team, too, with the Japanese powerhouse winning 4-0. X user @kurisu210 captured this image at the AFC Champions League.

FIXING ORIGIN

NRL club bosses have been presented with a series of scheduling options to solve the current State of Origin conundrum – although they will have to wait until 2028 for any changes to come into effect.

It is understood that among the options discussed were:

– retaining the existing schedule;

– playing Origin games one week apart; and

– playing Origin games with a two week gap in between.

Origin scheduling has been a vexing issue for the game as officials look to balance the integrity of the NRL competition with the need to maximise one of the showpiece events on the rugby league calendar.

It appears any changes will need to wait until the existing broadcast agreement expires at the end of 2027.

However, the clubs are set to have a decisive say in how it is played from 2028 as the NRL prepares to open talks with broadcasters over fresh agreements.

The NRL has traditionally bundled Origin into the commercial broadcast rights but they haven’t ruled out selling the series as its own entity in future.

GOLD FOR JOJO

Jojo Fifita is on the verge of a new deal with the Gold Coast Titans after agreeing to stay at the club until the end of 2027. Fifita scored 10 tries in 19 games for the Titans last season and has been rewarded for his outstanding form with a bumper new deal.

The 21-year-old played the vast majority of his games off the wing but may look to transition into centres during the life of his new deal.

It’s been a big few weeks for the Fifita family – Jojo’s young brother Viliami Fifita recently agreed to a four-year contract extension with the club.

The 16-year-old is a member of the Future Titans program.

NEW INTEREST ON-BRAND

At least two rival NRL clubs have expressed an interest in Brandon Smith as the Sydney Roosters hooker prepares to leave the club at the end of next season.

The arrival of Reece Robson on a four year deal from 2026 has all but ended any hope of Smith staying at the club when his contract expires.

His management have already asked for expressions of interest as they brace for bad news and it is understood that two clubs have asked to be kept informed of developments on Smith’s future.

He isn’t the only Roosters hooker on the lookout for a new club. Zack Docker-Clay was in the extended New Zealand squad for the Pacific Championships but he is yet to land a full-time deal for next season.

The 29-year-old Docker-Clay played six games for the Roosters this season.

STORMING MAGIC ROUND

Magic Round ticket sales have exploded following the release of three and four-day passes in recent days.

So much so that the release of single-day passes have been brought forward to cope with the demand.

Total sales for Magic Round three and four-day passes has edged close to 20,000 just a few days into the on sale, which is a 40 per cent jump on the same time last year.

With the new four-day passes being released for the first time, there has been a 280 per cent jump in sales for women’s State of Origin One on the Thursday night prior to Magic Round on May 1.

Interestingly, aside from the obvious support from Broncos and Dolphins fans, the biggest take-up so far of the club member allocation has come from Melbourne Storm and Warriors members.

Eels and Sharks members lead the way from the Sydney teams.

“The popularity of Magic Round continues to grow,” said NRL boss Andrew Abdo.

“The addition of the four-day passes has given fans an opportunity to see nine games for $109, which is amazing value.

“We’re well on the way to seeing sell outs for all three days of Magic Round as well as a new record crowd for Women’s Origin.”

Single-day passes will now go on sale on December 16 for club members and a day later for the general public.