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Behind the scenes: Tigers boss on Galvin, Benji and bullying
SEN • April 23rd, 2025 9:49 am
- Galvin is set to see out his contract until end of 2026
- the Club denies any accusation of bullying
- Richardson has back Benji Marshall as coach
West Tigers CEO Shane Richardson has addressed accusations of bullying within the club, had his say on the Lachlan Galvin saga and thrown his support behind Benji Marshall.
Earlier this month, Galvin rejected a big money contract to stay with the club saying he believed he would develop into a better player elsewhere.
The news stunned the rugby league world and attracted an avalanche of criticism and trolling of the 19-year-old.
Amid the fallout from his decision were reports of a rift between him and Marshall as well as senior leaders in the playing group who wanted Galvin dropped.
Galvin’s explanation on his decision was met by social media sledging by Tigers captain Jarome Luai who posted an Instagram story with the caption "Team First".
Luai's post was followed by winger Sunia Turuva then posted a video on Instagram of Galvin's locked accompanied by the song "Here comes the money".
The two posts sparked accusations of bullying and concern for the teen’s mental wellbeing and prompted Galvin’s agent to send a legal letter to the club outlining claims of an unsafe workplace.
In a detailed interview with the Daily Telegraph, Richardson has addressed crisis currently engulfing his club, admitting Turuva had gone too far but that it fell short of bullying.
“They’re not true,” Richardson said of the claims. “I can’t comment about legal cases for obvious reasons but of course we’ll contest it.
“I don’t think Luai’s (post) was too bad but certainly Turuva’s shouldn’t have happened and I have spoken to Turuva about it.
“But emotions happen. To try to control emotions, it’s impossible in rugby league.”
Tigers are yet to grant Galvin an early release from his current contract (which runs until the end of 2026) and while it remains to be seen if they can play happy families for another 18 months, it seems the 19-year-old will be back in the firsts this weekend against the Sharks.
Amid last week’s media circus, Galvin was dropped to the NSW Cup by Benji Marshall, a move that has been defended by coach, captains and Richardson.
“He’s (Marshall) had to manage situations like the (John) Bateman situation,” Richardson said.
“For a young coach in his first year, he’s not stepping into South Sydney, he’s stepping in the world of hurt.
“It rattled him last week. How couldn’t it? But he showed balls. I don’t know what more that he could have done last week.”
With the Eels the front runners to sign Galvin, Richardson sees no reason they next 18 months cannot be a productive time for both player and club.
“He’s never requested (a release). The bottom line from the club’s point of view, is he is here for the next 18 months. Football players are all about winning games.
“It’s business as usual. Our attitude as a club is he is here for the next 18 months and we’ll work our way forward from there.”
