Lachlan Galvin speaks out after decision to walk away from Wests Tigers

Lachlan Galvin has broken his silence after dropping a bombshell on the Wests Tigers in a move that rocked the NRL to its core.

Lachlan Galvin has spoken out for the first time revealing the “absolute truth” behind his decision to walk away from the Wests Tigers.

The 19-year-old turned his back on a lucrative contract extension offer from the club, electing to test his value on the open market.

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The Tigers had been trying to tie down the gifted five-eighth on a new deal, but he and his management knocked back the offer.

Galvin is currently contracted until the end of 2026 with the club, however speculation is running rife in the wake of an alleged player mutiny that he could be released earlier.

The young prodigy was sensationally axed from the Tigers squad for their upcoming Easter Monday clash against the Parramatta Eels.

Galvin addressed his bombshell decision with a statement provided to CODE Sports on Tuesday.

Lachie broke his silence after his blockbuster decision. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

“I totally understand my decision will frustrate many Wests Tigers fans, but please know that it wasn’t an easy call to make,” Galvin said.

“The biggest reason why I made this call now is so that the Wests Tigers have enough time to plan their roster without me in the future. That’s the absolute truth of it.

“...I could’ve mulled over this decision all season, but I didn’t think that was the right thing to do.”

Galvin and his management informed the club last Thursday he wouldn’t be signing any extension, instead he would start fielding offers from rivals come November 1.

He said his decision to inform the club now, instead of towards the end of the season was so they had adequate time to prepare for his departure and put future plans in place.

The youngster also shut down suggestions he had a deal in place with another club for the 2027 season.

Galvin seemed to confirm swirling rumours that the reason for him electing to depart the club was based on him not being able to grow into his full potential.

“I just feel that as I move into an important period of my development as a half, that I continue to build my game at a different club. Again, I know this might be hard for some people to understand, but I make this decision in the best interests of my career,” he said.

Galvin is ready for a new home. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Galvin’s axing from the Tigers squad reportedly came after a player mutiny, with Phil Rothfield writing: “On Monday night the Wests Tigers leadership group, that included Jarome Luai and Api Koroisau, fronted coach Benji Marshall and said they didn’t want Galvin in the team.”

It remains to be seen if this will impact Wests Tigers’ insistence that Galvin will see out his contract, ending after the 2026 season.

Frustrated Wests Tigers players reportedly may want Galvin released from the club early and potential long-term half Latu Fainu (currently injured) brought into the side permanently, earlier reports said, to put the team and its future first; especially given Galvin’s apparent lack of faith in coach Benji Marshall.

Galvin reportedly had no faith in coach Benji Marshall.

A Nine report has exposed tension between not only Galvin and Marshall, but also superstar teammate Jarome Luai.

The Tigers have stated they will not release Galvin early with his deal expiring in November 26, but that could hurt Latu Fainu’s development and may no longer be tenable given the star playmaker’s sudden demotion.

Tigers CEO Shane Richardson would privately be open to releasing Galvin early, provided the Tigers benefit from the deal, which could involve a player swap or a financial incentive like a transfer fee.

Fainu is in the second season of a four-year deal with the Tigers and the 19-year-old has scored three tries in 11 NRL games to date.