Galvin would have been in contention for NRL rookie of the year honours but became ineligible after receiving a two-match suspension for a hip-drop tackle in round four.

The five-eighth will play his 19th game of the season on Saturday night against South Sydney and cited his left-edge combination with Samuel Fainu as one of the most pleasing things he had achieved in his first year.

But Galvin will switch to the right side against Souths,a move designed to help his right-footed kicking game while also giving fans an early look at how he performs on that side of the field ahead of the arrival of $6m man Jarome Luai,a predominantly left-sided player.

The 19-year-old will be joined by good friend Heath Mason,who starts his first NRL game at fullback following confirmation Jahream Bula underwent season-ending shoulder surgery.

A win over Souths,along with the bye in round 26,could give the Tigers a shot at avoiding the wooden spoon against Parramatta,who await in the final round at Campbelltown. Bula has a mortgage on the No.1 jersey,but his enforced absence will give Mason a chance to shine in his preferred position.