No booing: Tigers fans’ classy Lachlan Galvin act following ugly contract saga

Wantaway star Lachlan Galvin made a stunning statement after being axed, but it was one moment in particular that told the whole story.

Running out onto Leichhardt Oval on Sunday afternoon wantaway playmaker Lachlan Galvin would have surely thought he was set to be relentlessly booed.

However, Tigers fans did the opposite and it spurred the teenager and his side onto a huge 20-18 golden point upset over the Sharks.

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Galvin was a shock inclusion for Sunday’s clash after being dropped to reserve grade the week prior on the back of turning down a massive $6 million contract extension from the Tigers.

The NRL prodigy signed with the Tigers ahead of the 2024 season and made his first-grade debut that year, with Marshall putting his trust in the teenager.

But the 19-year-old threw the rookie coach’s faith in him back in his face, dramatically claiming he wasn’t the coach to take his game to the next level as he voiced his desire to leave at the end of his contract.

Lachlan Galvin was cheered by Tigers fans despite the recent saga. Image: Getty/Kayo

Galvin was subsequently axed as his teammates stood behind their coach and even mocked the five-eighth on social media, which saw his management send the club a legal letter with accusations of bullying.

However, after a woeful showing against the Eels, Marshall recalled Galvin and he repaid his faith, with an instant impact as he was somewhat surprisingly cheered on by the Tigers faithful.

In fans’ first opportunity to watch Galvin feature for the Tigers since turning down a new contract, the 14,000-strong Leichhardt Oval faithful offered a mixed reception for the young playmaker early before quickly getting behind the teenager.

Galvin quickly repaid their support, by creating the side’s opening two tries as the Tigers raced up 10-0.

Lachlan Galvin celebrated wildly in front of Tigers supporters, much to the delight of fans.. Imaeg: Kayo

And any thoughts of the youngster having any animosity towards the fan base or club were quickly wiped away as Galvin was seen wildly celebrating each try with his teammates and geeing up the home fans.

That love he has for Tigers fans was echoed in his post-match interview with NRL.com.

“It’s a great win and we wanted to do it for all these great home fans here tonight at Leichhardt and it is one of the best wins I’ve ever been a part of,” Galvin said post-match.

When asked about how he felt returning to the fold, Galvin said he was grateful and was happy to be back playing for the Tigers.

“ … I’d rather be here than Lidcombe on a Sunday I’ll be honest,” Galvin chuckled.

“But it’s a great win to come out here and win in front of our fans and I couldn’t be more grateful. I loved it.

“It wasn’t about me, it was about the team this week and we wanted to come out and win and that’s what we did.”

Originally published as No booing: Tigers fans’ classy Lachlan Galvin act following ugly contract saga