Galvin gets the better of Luai in horror week for the Tigers

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In a horror week for the Wests Tigers, their former five-eighth Jarome Luai was outplayed by their current replacement Lachlan Galvin in a 32-0 drubbing at the hands of the Canterbury Bulldogs at Accor Stadium on 2026-07-18. The loss marked the Tigers' 11th in succession at their home ground, Accor Stadium.

Jarome Luai, who was a key player for the Bulldogs just a few years ago, has been in a tough spot since joining the Tigers. The former Bulldog took umbrage when asked during the week about his Tigers legacy, and it seemed like the pressure got to him on the field. Luai was booed by the crowd on the few occasions he touched the ball, and it's unclear whether the boos came from Canterbury supporters or his own fans.

Lachlan Galvin, who is known for his skills in the pivot role, led the Bulldogs to a crushing victory. He set up four tries for his teammates and looked more comfortable having a natural halfback, Sean O'Sulivan, inside of him. Galvin's performance will give Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo a welcome headache when Stephen Crichton returns from injury.

The Tigers looked more threatening when Luai's mooted replacement, Latu Fainu, came off the bench. He was soon back on it after copping 10 minutes in the sin bin for an ungainly tackle on Leo Thompson. The normally mild-mannered Alex Twal joined him after an open-hand slap on Jaeman Salmon.

The Bulldogs' win marked their first at Accor Stadium since 2023, and it was a much-needed boost for the team. Canterbury has been struggling to find their footing this season, but it seems like they've found their winning formula with Galvin at the helm.

And that's not all - the Tigers' loss will have serious repercussions for their season. If Fainu and Adam Doueihi are both suspended, we'll get an earlier look at the young halves talent at the Tigers' disposal than predicted.

Lachlan Galvin, the Bulldogs' pivot, has been making waves in the league with his impressive skills. Before joining the Bulldogs, Galvin played for the Panthers, where he was known for his speed and agility. Galvin's arrival at the Bulldogs has been a game-changer, and he's likely to be a key player in their future victories.

Galvin had a hand – or foot – in four tries.

But what about the Tigers' chances? With Luai struggling to find his footing, it's unclear whether the team can turn things around. The Tigers' next match will be crucial in determining their season's trajectory.

In a bizarre twist, the Tigers' loss was followed by a visit from the greatest Bulldogs halfback of all time, Steve "Turvey" Mortimer. Which made the decision to give his replacement, Sean O'Sulivan, an early shower a surprising one.

The Tigers' loss has left fans reeling, and it's unclear how the team will recover from this blow. With a tough schedule ahead, the Tigers will need to regroup and find a way to turn their season around.