Lachlan Galvin set to confront unresolved tension from fans and former teammates in Wests Tigers reunion

No one in Tigertown has forgotten how things ended with Lachlan Galvin. As they meet again, the fans who once cheered him will be baying for blood – and no doubt some of his former teammates will take delight in lowering his colours as well.

Bulldogs bosses have backed Lachlan Galvin to hold his nerve as the playmaking prodigy prepares to face his former club on Sunday for the first time since his controversial departure from the Wests Tigers.

After a rocky start to life at the ‘Dogs, Galvin has settled into the starting side and played a leading hand in consecutive wins for the club.

He now faces his former teammates with the Bulldogs riding high after a big victory over Manly at Allianz Stadium that suggested they are beginning to rediscover the groove that had them ranked among the premiership contenders.

Galvin has looked more comfortable with each passing week in a Bulldogs jersey but the Tigers game threatens to be his biggest test yet given the murky way things ended for him at the club – and in the eyes of disgruntled fans of the joint venture.

They were ropeable with the way Galvin turned his back on the Tigers and the unsavoury way his departure played out.

It began with the Tigers preparing the deal of a lifetime – a five-year extension that would have been worth close to $6 million for a teenager who had been earmarked to lead the club forward.

Lachlan Galvin has settled into Bulldogs colours. Picture: Thomas Lisson

It ended with legal threats, claims of bullying and dossiers outlining a myriad of concerns during Galvin’s time at the club.

There was a stint in NSW Cup thrown in for good measure as the Tigers and Galvin locked horns over his future.

Tigers fans haven’t forgotten and nor would you think have the players who were in the middle of an ugly dispute that threatened to rip the club apart.

Lachlan Galvin will be expecting a hostile reception against the Tigers. Picture: Mike Owen/Getty Images

Galvin can expect a hostile reception at CommBank Stadium but there is a belief at the ‘Dogs that he is equipped to handle whatever comes his way, their faith no doubt strengthened by the composed way he has settled into his new surroundings.

“Of course there’ll be emotion from Tigers fans – that’s rugby league,” Bulldogs chief executive Aaron Warburton said.

“But Lachlan’s focus is entirely on helping the Bulldogs win, not on crowd reactions. He’s approached every challenge since joining us with professionalism and determination.

“Sunday will be no different.”

Galvin has had no reason to reconsider his decision. The Bulldogs have changed their game plan to accommodate his talents and the results were clear for all to see on Sunday afternoon against the Sea Eagles.

Galvin ran for 65 metres on seven carries and had one line break. Not exactly eye-catching statistics but it was what he did for his teammates that was more noteworthy.

Suddenly, Matt Burton rediscovered his running game as he churned through more than 217 metres on 13 runs. He added two line breaks and two try assist for good measure as the shackles came off and the Bulldogs ran rampant.

Galvin deserves some of the acclaim for that. There was a sense of vindication about the decision to demote Toby Sexton and put the No.7 on Galvin’s back, handing him the keys to a side that was riding high in the top four.

At the Tigers, Galvin never really settled that issue with Jarome Luai. Their relationship appeared testy at best, highlighted by the Tigers skipper taking a dim view of the claims that Galvin didn’t have faith in coach Benji Marshall to get the best out of his career.

He wasn’t the only Tigers player to take aim at Galvin. Winger Sunia Turuva also took to social media to call out Galvin before his departure.

The Tigers have long since moved on. Latu Fainu has settled into the halves with Luai and shown flashes of ability. Still, no-one in Tigertown has forgotten how things ended for Galvin at the club.

The fans who once cheered his every move will be baying for blood. No doubt some of his former teammates will take delight in lowering his colours as well.

Luai and Turuva will be front and centre on Sunday as the Tigers look to exact some revenge. Galvin, no doubt, will want some of his own.

Originally published as Lachlan Galvin set to confront unresolved tension from fans and former teammates in Wests Tigers reunion