Bulldogs boss Phil Gould hasn't completely ruled out signing Lachlan Galvin, but says the club has "other plans" at this stage.
While the Canterbury-Bankstown supremo has sung the praises of the teenage playmaker over the past two seasons, he was fairly tight-lipped about the chances of him making a switch to Belmore.
On Monday, it was revealed that Galvin will depart the Tigers at the end of the 2026 campaign.
He will hit the open market and be able to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1 this year.
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Gould is surprised that the young half is being made available, but is currently focused on developing junior talent at the Bulldogs.
He also offered some career advice to Galvin.
"We've got other plans at the Bulldogs. We've got a pathway system and kids coming through," Gould on 100% Footy.
"Never in my wildest imagination would I have thought a Lachlan Galvin would ever come on the market.
"I've got kids they're that are in the embryo stage of their career and we're developing them as well.
"It's not something you can put on me right now and as it turns out he's not available for another 18 months anyway.
"There's a lot of water to flow under the bridge between now and then but my recommendation to him, his management and his parents would be is you need to be the best 22-year-old footballer because your career's not really going to start until you're 24 or 25."
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Despite the Tigers insisting Galvin will see out the remainder of his contract, there is a chance he secures an early release.
Cameron Smith believes this is could come to fruition if Benji Marshall can find a suitable replacement in the halves.
"While I was playing, if there was ever a player that came out and spoke about that, I'd be happy for them to move on because I want players to be there in my club that want to be there to make a difference," Smith said on 100% Footy.
"I think that's (he'll move on) what will happen. If there's an opportunity that arises for the Tigers to find a replacement for Lachie, he won't be there next year.
"Hopefully that's the case for him and the Wests Tigers."