Lachlan Galvin, a promising 19-year-old rugby player for the Wests Tigers, is facing calls to leave the club early, according to renowned league figure Phil Gould. Despite having 18 months remaining on his contract, Gould suggests Galvin should part ways with the Tigers, especially given his reported dissatisfaction with coach Benji Marshall’s guidance.
Galvin appears to feel that he cannot flourish under Marshall’s stewardship, which raises questions about his future at the club. Cameron Smith, another league legend, expressed concerns that Galvin’s teammates might be unwilling to support him, highlighting a social media backlash from players like Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva. They have hinted at disapproval of Galvin’s actions, suggesting a prioritisation of personal ambitions over team unity.
Gould commended the Tigers’ decisive stance in backing their coach, noting it has resonated positively with fans who are weary of losing talented young players, recalling the departures of stars like James Tedesco and Mitchell Moses in past seasons. The current management under Shane Richardson has shown commitment to rebuilding the squad while maintaining stability and solidarity, especially among senior players.
While Galvin has been linked to potential moves to clubs like Manly and Parramatta, he is unable to negotiate a release until after November 1. The Tigers have stated they will not grant him an early exit. In response, Galvin indicated his decision to depart is aimed at furthering his development elsewhere, purposely avoiding direct commentary on his relationship with Marshall.
Following this controversy, Galvin has been dropped from the Tigers’ Easter Monday match against the Eels, and uncertainty looms about his position in the squad. NRL great Matthew Johns, however, argues that despite the issues, Marshall should include Galvin in the team, asserting that his contributions could strengthen the Tigers’ chances of success this season. He contended that prioritising long-term objectives over immediate successes could be detrimental.
Johns cautioned that dropping Galvin might exacerbate the situation and provoke ongoing distractions as speculation around his role grows. He suggested that including him in the squad could eliminate tensions and allow Galvin to regain respect through his performance on the field. The outcome of these developments remains to be seen as the club grapples with its decisions amid the unfolding drama.