Luke Brooks has warned fans and critics to go easy on Lachlan Galvin, desperate for the Wests Tigers’ shiny new toy not to face the same pressure he has long felt.
Galvin was the star of the show in the Tigers’ 17-16 Easter Monday win over Parramatta, taking two tries in a coming-of-age performance.
The 18-year-old is already seen as the shining light for the struggling joint venture, which is desperate to end a run of 12 consecutive seasons outside the NRL finals.
But Brooks knows very well how the story can unfold.
He was just a day older than Galvin when he made his NRL debut for the joint venture at the SCG in 2012, and was almost immediately labeled as the next Andrew Johns.
Galvin has so far avoided similar comparisons, and Tigers coach Benji Marshall sees more similarities with former Melbourne premiership winner Scott Hill than any rugby league Immortal.
And it’s something Brooks is happy to see: Inflexible, almost unattainable comparisons must be avoided for the sake of Galvin and other young people.
“It’s tough for young kids to get over it and be compared to someone who’s done everything in the game,” Brooks said.
“They just have to let the kids be themselves.
“I haven’t seen any comparisons with Lachie, which is good because people should let him be himself.
“From the looks of it, little kids aren’t too fazed. He seems confident.”
Brooks called the joint venture victory a glimpse into the future, with young winger Jahream Bula finishing off a late go-ahead attempt after a Galvin fall.
But equally, he knows it won’t always be easy for the young tiger cubs.
Brooks became the sport’s most scrutinized player for most of his time in black, orange and white, before opting for a fresh start at Manly this year.
And he doesn’t want the same pressure to fall on Galvin.
“Because he came to the NRL and no one really knows how he plays, they don’t have as much video on you,” Brooks said.
“But once teams tend to start finding your weaknesses, that’s when it starts to get a little more difficult.
“He’s been playing some good football and he’s definitely a great player and one for the future.
“People have to realize he’s a young kid and he’s not going to play his best football week in, week out.”
Galvin will miss the Dolphins clash on Saturday night after receiving a two-match suspension for a hip-drop tackle in the win over Parramatta.
The fortnight’s exit will give the five-eighth some time to take stock, after admitting his first three NRL games were part of a whirlwind month.
“It’s kind of crazy to come off the last three games and have a pretty good performance,” Galvin said.
“I really don’t think I thought this was going to happen.
“Five months ago I went to school every day and my mother put my lunchbox in my bag and that.
“It’s a dream come true. I hope to keep my good form.”
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AAP