Wests Tigers players show support for embattled teen star Lachlan Galvin

Wests Tigers players have thrown their arms around embattled young star Lachlan Galvin as he prepares to return to first grade, saying the wantaway teenager never lost the trust of the playing group.

Wests Tigers players have thrown their arms around embattled young star Lachlan Galvin, saying the wantaway teenager never lost the trust of the playing group.

Just one week after co-captain Jarome Luai publicly challenged Galvin to regain the faith of the squad, veteran Jack Bird led the messages of support for the young five-eighth.

Bird this week went out of his way to counsel the 19-year-old, who will return to the NRL side for Sunday’s clash with Cronulla at Leichhardt Oval following his one-game demotion.

Wests Tigers players have thrown their support behind Lachlan Galvin. Picture: Dylan Coker/Daily Telegraph

“I know what it’s like and know what it can do to yourself, but you’ve just got to be positive and reassure yourself you’re making the best decision for yourself,” Bird said.

“We all know he’s a great player and what he provides for the team. He’s someone we needed in the team, so we look forward to playing with him.”

Bird urged what is expected to be an emotional crowd at Leichhardt Oval to be supportive.

“We’ve got to support him. He’s one of us still, so, but then again that’s part of footy, so you’ve just got to cop it and take it on the chin,” he said.

“But for his sake, I just hope they get around him and support him.”

Galvin become the centre of a dramatic week when the club revealed he would not be remaining at the Tigers beyond the 2026 season.

He returned to training last Thursday but was demoted to the NSW Cup while his team suffered a crushing 38-22 loss to Parramatta on Easter Monday.

Tigers coach Benji Marshall responded by reinserting the Tigers product back into his line-up.

Centre Brent Naden dismissed any claims of negativity from the players towards Galvin.

“He’s always had my trust. He’s back in the team this week and I’m looking forward to playing with him again and getting a win at Leichhardt,” Naden said.

“(Training has been) same old, same old, just laughing and joking around with him.”

Galvin’s NSW Cup teammate last week Solomona Faataape said it was business as usual.

“Didn’t win, but it was cool running alongside Lachie. Even when I’ve played NRL with him, it was just same feeling — the kid’s a freak and I just back him every day,” Faataape said.

The Tigers struggled against the Eels last week. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Alex Twal, who runs out for his 150th NRL game at Leichhardt, echoed the sentiments.

“He’s obviously a great player and he’s also a young prospect, brings a lot of energy and he is a great kid. The boys love having him on the team,” Twal said.

Twal is hoping that his loyalty to the only club he’s played for will be rewarded this year with a first finals appearance in his tenure.

The Tigers haven’t played finals since 2011.

“I was telling the boys a game here (Tigers) in the last 10 years is sort of counted as two NRL games, so it’s actually my 300th,” he said.

Originally published as Wests Tigers players show support for embattled teen star Lachlan Galvin