It’s emerged Tigers young gun Lachlan Galvin was telling teammates he “can’t wait to get out” of the club after their loss to the Dragons amid his request for an immediate release.
The 18-year-old’s management reportedly requested their client be granted a release, unhappy with the club’s management of a fracture in his hand he’s been battling for three weeks.
Meanwhile, chief executive Shane Richardson made it clear he would decline any move for Galvin’s release and is reportedly prepared to offer an extension and a contract upgrade.
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Now, The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield has questioned the club’s stance amid their efforts to offload other players who are currently contracted at the Tigers.
“Lachie Galvin and Stefano Utoikamanu believes their games aren’t developing as they should be at the Tigers re coaching and general development,” Rothfield said on NRL360 on Monday.
“I’m told both would be prepared to take less money to join a more powerful outfit.
“Benji is a rookie coach, they just feel they’d be better suited (elsewhere). Shane Richardson has said ‘not going to let you go’.
“I find that a bit rough, Richardson has been in England for weeks trying to get rid of players he doesn’t want like Jayden Sullivan, Brent Naden.
“He is trying to get rid of players under contract, but he doesn’t want to do the same thing (here).”
NRL360 host Braith Anasta labelled Galvin “the future of the club” while The Australian’s Brent Read fired back at Rothfield’s claims.
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“They can’t do anything about (Utoikamanu) because at the end of the year he’s probably going to be a free agent,” he said.
“Galvin they can, and Richo is rightly saying you can’t go anywhere because seven years ago this club let James Tedesco, Mitchell Moses and Aaron Woods leave the club.
“They’ve never got over it, so now you want them to say to their best young kid, 18-year-old, their future, ‘you can leave’.”
But for Rothfield, the allure of rival clubs in a stronger position could see Galvin depart the struggling Tigers who are without a win since Round 4.
The Panthers and Roosters are reportedly monitoring the young gun’s situation, with both clubs losing high-profile players following the 2024 season.
“He was walking around the sheds after the game against St George in Wollongong… telling everyone that he can’t wait to get out, that’s how I got wind of the story,” Rothfield said.
“He was telling everyone… if you’re an 18-year-old kid and had the opportunity to go to Ivan Cleary, Trent Robinson… whoever, all I’m saying is the Wests Tigers right now are a complete debacle.
“I can understand that concern.”
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For Anasta, Galvin’s actions aren’t a “great look” and he believes that he should be doing everything he can to re-pay the Tigers for giving him an opportunity.
The teenager has been a shining light so far in 2024, but Anasta warned perceptions can quickly change.
“They gave gim an opportunity when other clubs may not have because he’s a young kid,” he said.
“Benji backed him and gave him an opportunity. He may not be in this position where he has clubs chasing him (without the Tigers).
“He’s a young kid who really should be focusing on…. you’ve got to also protect the kid though, it’s not a great look if he gets an opportunity.
“Then all of a sudden he says ‘I wan’t out’ after a few losses. You’ve got to stick tight, you don’t want to be known for going around the sheds.”