Bulldogs out of Galvin race as fresh player concerns raised about Tigers

The Bulldogs have withdrawn from the race to sign Lachlan Galvin, leaving Parramatta as the firm frontrunners to land the 19-year-old half as Dylan Brown’s replacement.

The news comes amid revelations the Rugby League Players’ Association has raised concerns with the Wests Tigers about the management of another two top 30 players.

Canterbury general manager Phil Gould has been glowing in his praise of Galvin during the past 12 months and it was widely anticipated the Bulldogs would make a significant play for the rising star.

After watching the Galvin saga unfold at the Tigers, the Bulldogs had internal discussions in recent days to decide whether they would enter the market whenever the teenager became a free agent.

Gould, however, has revealed that the Bulldogs have decided against any such bid.

“We are not involved in the Lachlan Galvin discussion and we won’t be involved in the Lachlan Galvin discussion,” Gould told this masthead. “We wish him all the best.”

Lachlan Galvin playing NSW Cup on Monday.Credit: Max Mason-Hubers

Gould remains a big believer in Galvin’s ability, but given the Bulldogs’ recent form as they have roared to the top of the table after an unbeaten start to the year, the club is not in a position to make a move on the want-away Tigers playmaker.

With Wests Tigers already facing a legal fight with Galvin over allegations of bullying, the Herald can reveal that the RLPA has raised concerns over the treatment of fellow top 30 players Justin Matamua and Brandon Tumeth.

On the day that Galvin ran out for Western Suburbs in NSW Cup, it emerged the RLPA is looking into the Tigers’ treatment of young forwards Matamua and Tumeth – who played together in the NSW under-19 side in 2022.

Matamua, managed by George Ghazal, made his debut for the Tigers as an 18-year-old in 2022, but has been playing for Ryde-Eastwood Hawks in Ron Massey Cup (the tier below reserve grade).

Justin Matamua has been demoted to Ron Massey Cup.Credit: Oscar Colman

Tumeth, once named the NSW under-16 player of the year, has experienced an even steeper decline, dropped to a grade below Matamua (Sydney Shield) for Ryde-Eastwood. Tumeth is managed by Isaac Moses, who also represents Galvin. Moses raised the issue about his client’s treatment to the RLPA.

Moses also represents John Bateman and David Klemmer, who both recently left the Tigers.

Sources with knowledge of the situation talking on the condition of anonymity due to confidentiality told the Herald the RLPA is set to ask the Tigers for a “please explain” in the coming days.

The Tigers released a statement on Tuesday, saying neither player had complained to the RLPA.

“Neither player has ever made a complaint to the club or the RLPA. This was confirmed by both the players and the RLPA this morning,” the statement said.

“The story is simply not true. We felt it was important to clarify this, as the report has caused unnecessary stress and hurt to the players and their families.”

The RLPA provided the Herald with clarity around its position.

“We can confirm that we have had a conversation with the Wests Tigers asking for an explanation on concerns involving some current and recently departed players,” Newton said.

“We will continue to work with the club on these matters and anything else that brought to our attention that requires our involvement. As we have stated before, our job is to ensure the employment terms of the players’ contract and what was secured in the CBA are complied with and that clubs foster an environment for all players that prioritises a safe workplace.”

It is unusual for any club to have two top 30 players in the third- or fourth-tier competitions. It is why the RLPA has been asking the Tigers for answers as to why this has occurred and whether they followed the proper protocols outlined in the collective bargaining agreement.

The RLPA has been in regular discussions with the Tigers this season via their involvement in matters relating to Klemmer, Bateman, Jordan Miller, Solomona Faataape, Galvin, Tumeth and Matamua.

• An earlier edition of this story stated that Brandon Tumeth and Justin Matamua had made complaints to the RLPA about the Wests Tigers. This story was amended on April 22 to reflect the fact that Tumeth’s manager made the complaint to the RLPA, while the RLPA independently raised concerns directly with the Tigers in relation to the club’s treatment of Matamua.

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