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Andrew Johns believes Wests Tigers supporters will give a warm send-off to young playmaker Lachlan Galvin as he takes to the field at Leichhardt Oval this Sunday.
The 19-year-old garnered negative attention last week after his management declined a lucrative contract extension from the struggling club.
In response, the Tigers arranged for extra security for Galvin during his reserve grade match at Lidcombe Oval on Monday. However, the crowd’s reception was overwhelmingly positive.
He has now been reinstated in the NRL squad for their round eight face-off against the Sharks.
Galvin will step onto the pitch in front of thousands of keen Tigers fans at their historic home ground in Sydney’s inner west.
Lachlan Galvin of the Magpies runs out at the start of the NSW Cup game. Getty
Johns anticipates that Galvin may experience some boos at the beginning of the match, but he’s confident the young halfback will orchestrate a surprise victory against the Sharks.
“This is going to be a thrilling contest,” Johns stated on Wide World of Sports.
“Will the crowd cheer for Galvin?
“I’m backing the Tigers. If he gets booed before the match, and they win while he performs well, he will receive a standing ovation as he leaves the field.
“All past issues are forgotten after a victory.”
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Brad Fittler was at Brookvale Oval earlier this season when Manly fans celebrated Daly Cherry-Evans as he entered the field.
Cherry-Evans had just announced his departure from the Sea Eagles at the season’s conclusion.
Fittler hopes Tigers fans can emulate that support for Galvin.
“I sure hope so,” Fittler mentioned.
“I recall when Cherry received cheers. It truly was a fantastic moment.”
The Tigers aren’t the only team Johns predicts will cause an upset in round eight.
He also believes the Sea Eagles, bolstered by the return of Tom Trbojevic from injury, will surprise the Panthers.
Penrith hooker Mitch Kenny is out due to a contentious hip-drop suspension.
“Mitch Kenny is sidelined for a couple of weeks due to that hip-drop… whatever that entails now,” Johns explained.
“I reckon Manly could take the win here. Without Mitch Kenny, Penrith may struggle defensively.”
Scroll below to see the current leaderboard and the round seven tips from all Nine’s expert tipsters!
Nine’s tipping leaderboard after round seven. Nine
Andrew Johns: Bulldogs, Dragons, Warriors, Storm, Cowboys, Sea Eagles, Raiders, Tigers
Brad Fittler: Bulldogs, Roosters, Warriors, Storm, Cowboys, Panthers, Raiders, Sharks
Paul Gallen: Bulldogs, Dragons, Warriors, Storm, Titans, Panthers, Raiders, Sharks
Darren Lockyer: Broncos, Roosters, Warriors, Storm, Cowboys, Panthers, Dolphins, Sharks
David Middleton: Bulldogs, Roosters, Warriors, Storm, Cowboys, Panthers, Raiders, Sharks
Peter Psaltis: Bulldogs, Dragons, Warriors, Storm, Cowboys, Panthers, Dolphins, Sharks
The Mole: Broncos, Roosters, Warriors, Storm, Cowboys, Panthers, Raiders, Sharks
Mat Thompson: Bulldogs, Roosters, Warriors, Storm, Cowboys, Sea Eagles, Raiders, Sharks
Michael Chammas: Bulldogs, Dragons, Warriors, Storm, Cowboys, Panthers, Raiders, Tigers
Ben Glover: Broncos, Roosters, Warriors, Storm, Cowboys, Panthers, Raiders, Sharks
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