Lachlan Galvin avoids media with personal security guard after Wests Tigers axing
Heavy security and a strict gag order dominated dumped Tigers star Lachlan Galvin’s demotion to NSW Cup, with the young playmaker and his minders side stepping media at Lidcombe Oval. WATCH THE VIDEO
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Heavy security and a strict gag order dominated dumped Tigers star Lachlan Galvin’s demotion to NSW Cup on Easter Monday.
Galvin, who played in Western Suburbs’ 22-10 loss to Parramatta at Lidcombe Oval, had his own personal security guard for the entire day and refused to speak with the media.
He was chaperoned from the car park to dressing rooms, onto the field, and back into the sheds after fulltime.
The rising star even snuck out a back door behind the Lidcombe Oval dressing rooms to avoid media questions.
All Wests Magpies staff and players were instructed to avoid any media interviews. Even Galvin’s father, James, who attended the game, refused to speak with the reporters.
A security guard put his arm around Galvin walking to the dressing rooms post-game.
The 19-year-old defended on the left wing and tried to involve himself in attack. His kicking game was solid and he set up a late try, but his performance was modest in a losing side.
Late in the game, Galvin threw a lovely long ball to winger Izaac Tu’itupou, who scored a try.
Galvin received some light applause when his name was read to the 500-strong crowd pre-game.
He high-fived young fans as he walked off at halftime.
“I reckon he will be in first grade in one to two weeks,” said former Magpies hooker and current Wests board member Allan Fallah.
“I think he will see out his contract. People should just leave him alone.”
Galvin left the field at fulltime with a handful of fans yelling: ‘Well played Lachie’.
He played five-eighth after being dumped to NSW Cup by Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall in consultation with his senior player group.
Playing before such a small yet passionate Magpies crowd was a long way from the massive numbers which filled CommBank Stadium for Monday’s NRL game between Wests Tigers and the Eels.
It would have been interesting to see how many Wests Tigers NRL players turned up to watch Galvin in the NSW Cup had they not been playing on the same day.
The Galvin saga started earlier last week when he rejected a five-year extension, plus upgrades, worth $6m.
Through his manager Isaac Moses, Galvin refused to even consider Wests Tigers offer.
Galvin was taunted on social media by teammates last week, prompting his management to fire off a legal letter to Wests Tigers alleging Galvin had been bullied and the club wasn’t providing a safe working environment.
While Wests Tigers have stated Galvin will play out his contract at Concord until after the 2026 season, it is becoming more likely he will seek and be granted an early release.
Galvin told the club he wasn’t progressing as a player under Marshall’s tuition. Parramatta continues to be strongly linked to Galvin along with the Bulldogs, Roosters and Sea Eagles.
Some clubs have publicly denied interest in Galvin but the landscape quickly changes in rugby league.
Marshall claimed he was “shocked” and “disappointed” at Galvin’s desire to leave Wests Tigers.
Parramatta’s NSW Cup side included established NRL players Ryan Matterson and Bryce Cartwright.
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Originally published as Lachlan Galvin avoids media with personal security guard after Wests Tigers axing
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