Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall was shocked Lachlan Galvin opted to quit the club but urged the critics to lay off

West Tigers coach Benji Marshall spoke for the first time after teen star Lachlan Galvin’s bombshell decision to leave the club.

Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall says he was a little “disappointed” by comments out of Lachlan Galvin’s camp that the teenage playmaker isn’t convinced he can develop under his coaching, but also feels sorry for the criticism that has been piled on the young star.

The Tigers confirmed on Monday that Galvin wouldn’t be there beyond the 2026 season, with suggestions the situation could become untenable over the next 18 months given there have already been social media posts from teammates having a crack at him.

Galvin has been dropped to reserve grade this week, with Marshall’s message to him to keep his head down, play his best footy and earn back the trust of the team.

“I think it’s obvious with his statement that it’s about development,” Marshall replied when asked how he took the criticism of his coaching.

“At the end of the day, you can’t be angry or be against someone for choosing something that they think is in their best interest.

Lachlan Galvin and coach Benji Marshall at West Tigers training. Photo Jeremy Piper

“When it comes to negotiations, you have to do what’s best for you, and that’s Lachlan. No one’s angry about that.

“I was shocked by it (the comments), and a little disappointed. But at the same time, everyone thinks I can’t coach anyway so it’s not too different to what’s been said.

“I’ll always back myself in the way that I do things. I want what’s best for this team and this club, and I’ll do what’s best.

“If I’m not the best option, then I’ll go. But for right now, I’ll back myself.”

His senior players, who supported Marshall’s decision to drop Galvin for the Easter Monday clash with Parramatta, responded via social media, with star recruit Jarome Luai posting a message with “team first” in the wake of the news.

Marshall said it was an “emotional response” and one they would deal with, as the club tried to re-focus on football.

“Look, I don’t think it’s something we wanted, to be honest,” Marshall said.

“Crossing the line? I don’t know. I think it was an emotional response, again, to something as a teammate.

Jarome Luai's not too subtle sledge of Lachlan Galvin.

Luai said he was “trying to support my coach and what we stand for as a club” as he explained his post.

The pair were meant to be halves partners for the next five years, with the opening six rounds an encouraging start to what was supposed to be a superstar combination.

“It’s been good up until this point,” Luai said of their relationship.

“I’ve enjoyed playing with him and I thought we worked really hard up until this point.

“Definitely no hard feelings. Everyone is entitled to do what they think is best for their future. There’s been no drama around that.”

“We’re working hard to have team-first behaviour and making sure that’s built from the bottom up.

The next few weeks are going to be telling, with Marshall not ruling out a return to first grade.

The coach said Galvin owes him and the club nothing, but it’s hard to see how his teammates will welcome him back with open arms based on the past few days.

Regardless of what happens, Marshall doesn’t want Galvin’s name dragged through the mud given he’s a young man who has several people in his ear telling him what is best for his future.

“I actually really feel sorry for him,” said Marshall, who told Galvin at training on Thursday morning that he thought he was the future of the club.

Lachlan Galvin. Picture: NRL Photos

“He’s a young kid who wants to do what’s best for his future.

“The reaction has been overwhelming for him, and I can understand that. I’ve been in his shoes and understood what the pressure is like.

“What we’ve got to remember is he’s a 19-year-old kid who just loves footy. This is being made out to be a lot bigger than what it is for everybody.

“I understand the emotion and the enormity of the way the fans, the club and everyone feels. It is big, but he’s a kid and we need to stop talking about this for his sake.”