Galvin “can’t wait to get out”
In the aftermath of the Tigers’ loss to Dragons last Friday, five-eighth Lachie Galvin told teammates that he “can’t wait to get out” of the club.
Reportedly, the player has asked for an immediate release from his contract. The 18-year-old and his management have taken issue with the way Tigers have dealt with an injury to his hand.
For the past three weeks, Galvin has been dealing with a fractured hand. This, along with the club’s poor form, have the player wanting out.
Tigers are on track to finish the season as Wooden Spoon winners. Wests have just two wins and eight points through 12 rounds this season.
Tigers to deny request
While Galvin has made it very clear that he would like to leave the club, Tigers CEO Shane Richardson will not approve Galvin’s release request.
Richardson has spent weeks trying to offload players like Jayden Sullivan and Brent Naden ahead of next season. This should free up some more salary.
Instead of granting his release, Richardson is reportedly ready to offer Galvin a new-and-improved contract worth significantly more than his current deal.
According to other reports, this will not sway the 18-year-old.
Galvin & others concerned about development
The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield revealed on NRL 360 that the issues between Galvin and Tigers are far too deep to be fixed by a pay raise.
“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.
“I’m told both would be prepared to take less money to join a more powerful outfit. Benji (Marshall) is a rookie coach, they just feel they’d be better suited (elsewhere).”
Rothfield went on to criticise Richardson for keeping Galvin at the club.
“Shane Richardson has said ‘not going to let you go’. I find that a bit rough,” the veteran reporter said.
“He is trying to get rid of players under contract, but he doesn’t want to do the same thing (for Galvin).”
NRL 360 host Braith Anasta defended Tigers, calling Galvin “the future of the club” who they can’t afford to lose.
“Richo (Richardson) is rightly saying [Galvin] 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’.”
It’s unlikely Galvin gets his wish before the end of the season. However, if Tigers’ current poor form continues for much longer, the club may consider a total rebuild and let their young star go this offseason.
