Parramatta have cash to splash on a half now that Brown has decided to join the Knights next year on a historic $13 million deal.
Tigers halves Jarome Luai and Lachlan Galvin will both hit the open market as free agents on November 1.
Luai played in the halves for New South Wales alongside Eels skipper Mitchell Moses who has the same manager as Galvin.
“If you’re a Wests Tigers fan you would be most concerned about the relationship that Luai formed with Mitchell Moses last year in State of Origin,” Dean Ritchie said on NRL 360.
“They became solid mates, they played the last two games together and New South Wales came back to win the series 2-1.
“So Moses could play a role in trying to lure Luai away from the Tigers, he’s off contract November 1 this year.”
But NRL premiership winner and current player agent Braith Anasta believes Galvin is the more logical option.
“Galvin being a Parramatta junior, he’s got the same agent as Mitchell Moses, he is a great player in the making and that to me makes more sense,” Anasta said.
“He’s obviously not quite comfortable at the Tigers because they’ve offered him upgrades and extensions and he hasn’t taken it.”
“They’re desperately hoping to nail him down before November 1 but at the moment the kid is resisting,” Ritchie responded.
“Parramatta have got about $1-1.2 million up their sleeve through the Dylan Brown money for the next few years. So Parra have got money and a manager (connection) to a kid who seems a bit unsettled, draw your own conclusions.”
Fellow journalist Paul Crawley declared Galvin the best young player in the game, while Gordon Tallis criticised the Eels for letting so many talented juniors leave.
“How could you not be interested in Lachlan Galvin? If he’s not the best young talent in the game is in the top two or three,” Crawley said.
“There will be a lot of clubs coming for him.”
“Blaize Talagi, Lachy Galvin and Ethan Sanders, there are three young Parramatta kids (who have all left). Are they a chance of investing in their 17 and 18 and 19 year olds and hoping one of their good young kids don’t go play at another club,” Tallis said.
“In fairness to Parramatta they were in a bit of a bind because they thought they had Moses and Brown locked up long term. Sanders was promised game time at Canberra which is probably worth more to him than money,” Crawley said.
“(Tryan) Wishart is a great example of a guy looking for an opportunity to step up and be a five-eight or a hooker. (Jonah) Pezet at the Storm is another super talent.”
Anasta manages Pezet and revealed his client could become a genuine option if the Storm re-sign reigning Dally M Medal winner Jahrome Hughes.
“Pezet re-signed only in the off season but he’s got a clause, if Jahrome stays at the club and re-signs then he’s officially off contract, Jonah,” Anasta said.
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