Inside Lachlan Galvin’s return to the Tigers’ fold after week in exile
Lachlan Galvin is back in the fold and if appearances are anything to go by, he couldn’t be happier. See Galvin’s return to the Wests Tigers’ fold inside.
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Lachlan Galvin is back in the fold and if appearances are anything to go by, he couldn’t be happier.
Galvin, recalled by coach Benji Marshall to the Wests Tigers side for Sunday afternoon’s game against Cronulla at Leichhardt Oval, looked like he didn’t have a care in his world as he slogged his way through training with his teammates on Wednesday morning at the club’s Centre of Excellence.
This masthead’s cameras caught the 19-year-old sharing a joke and a laugh with teammate Tallyn da Silva. After a week of being bashed by frustrated Tigers fans, it was Galvin’s turn to lash out the punishment as he jokingly sparred with his good mate.
READ MORE: Tigers boss opens up on damaged agent relationship behind Galvin saga
Galvin even made a return to social media, albeit only briefly.
The teenager last posted on his Instagram account more than two months ago but he took the time to like a post on this masthead’s account on Wednesday.
Galvin responded to a post containing a quote from Tigers chief executive Shane Richardson, who conducted an exclusive interview with News Corp Australia over the club’s handling of the Galvin situation.
“What he said to us is he wants to be the best player I can be, and I believe that I can be that at another club,” Richardson said.
“He’s never said (Marshall can’t coach). Lachlan is a very honest kid.”
READ MORE: Benji’s four words that summed up Galvin’s recall
While Galvin was back on the training paddock preparing to face the Sharks, the Tigers were preparing their response to a legal letter from Galvin’s legal team over claims of bullying and unsafe work environments.
It is understood the club held a board meeting on Wednesday morning and filed a response to the allegations later in the day after consulting their own lawyers.
Galvin’s camp have sought urgent mediation but the Tigers are ready to dig in their heels over the matter.
The club declined to reveal the contents of their response but it is safe to assume that it refuted the allegations, something Richardson has already done via this masthead.
While Galvin’s return to the side suggests the club also doesn’t hold any animosity over his decision to depart, they have made it clear that they are disappointed that he will eventually leave after claiming it would be in the best interests of his development.
It cost him his spot against Parramatta but the Tigers suffered defeat and Galvin was given a reprieve.
It comes at the Tigers’ spiritual home of Leichhardt Oval, a ground that is so intimate the supporters can almost reach out and touch the players.
Galvin was chaperoned by an official when he made his way off the field in the NSW Cup last weekend, but the most attention he received was from the waiting media as they attempted to get a sound grab out of the young star.
It is understood the club is unlikely to put on extra staff to protect their young star this weekend in the belief that the Tigers fans will be on their best behaviour.
Richardson has already urged the supporters to treat Galvin with respect.
Richardson’s plea has been echoed by Save Leichhardt Oval campaign founder and passionate Tigers supporter Paddy Tobin, who said fans should go easy on the teenager this weekend.
“I understand why fans are upset about how his departure is being handled, I’m upset,” Tobin said.
“Given that he will be in that black, orange and white jumper on Sunday afternoon against the Sharks, I’m encouraging Save Leichhardt Oval members to not boo Lachie Galvin.
“I’ve always said you shouldn’t boo your own player and I will stand by that. We call for all fans coming to the game and watching on TV or at the pub to cheer our team and Galvin on.
“Leichhardt Oval legend the late great Laurie Nichols, always said “Black and Gold, Never Folds”, this means that anyone playing in that jersey is one of us and is representing one of us on the field.”
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Originally published as Inside Lachlan Galvin’s return to the Tigers’ fold after week in exile
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