We may never know what was the real cause of the Lachlan Galvin drama at Wests Tigers. But as the fallout continues, a clearer picture is starting to emerge.
That picture shows how both the club and the management of the 19 year old rising footy star have contributed to the muddle we’re in this week, with Galvin dropped to reserve grade.
The saga started 12 months ago when the club was asked to release Galvin and refused to do so.
That request came off the back of speculation that Galvin had said in the dressing after a game “I can’t wait to get out of this place’’ or words to that effect.
There was also a suggestion that the Galvin camp believed the Wests Tigers club was a basket case and they had their eyes on a more successful club for the young star.
In this he wasn’t the first, and fans will remember the loss of James Tedesco to the Roosters and Mitchell Moses to Parramatta eight years ago.
Following the dramas of the last few days we’ve heard how Galvin wants to leave because Benji Marshall is not the right coach for his development.
Another reason given is that Galvin’s manager Isaac Moses and Benji Marshall don’t see eye to eye.
And a third is that the club is a basket case, with a fourth being the arrival of four times premiership winning half Jarome Luai.
That’s all speculation, so let’s turn to the facts, which include Benji Marshall being the coach who has believed in Lachlan Galvin, gave him his debut in 2024 and has encouraged the kid to go out and play his own game.
Galvin himself has confirmed that in a TV rugby league show called The Fan.
Secondly, is the club still a basket case?
The arrival of Shane Richardson as CEO and a new board, plus the appointment of club legend Benji Marshall, have set up the club for long term success.
But it will take time for both that success to come and the poor image of the club as a basket case to disappear.
As for Galvin’s camp, including his family, what is the hurry in trying to leave the club that showed faith in him and a coach who believes in him 100 percent?
Have they thought about repaying the club for their support of Galvin by showing some loyalty and allowing the boy to just play footy for a few seasons at the Tigers before he’s put in the horrible situation he’s in now?
He’s only 19 after all and he has plenty of time to develop into a superstar and earn big bucks.
Some people say Galvin’s stay at the club is untenable now, but I disagree on the basis that nothing’s impossible.
Yes, it will be difficult to find a way to mend the situation, and for everyone to be happy, but it’s not impossible.
It will start with the club changing its mind about forcing Glavin to play reserve grade at Lidcombe Oval in front of two men and a dog.
And Galvin’s camp will need to curb their impatience for the time being, for the boy’s sake.
