Lachlan Galvin gagged, given security chaperone in NSW Cup outing

While the Wests Tigers prepared for an NRL blockbuster, Lachlan Galvin ran out in reserve grade amid the saga over his future.

While the Wests Tigers were preparing for Monday’s blockbuster clash with Parramatta, outcast Lachlan Galvin took the field for the club’s feeder side — wearing the No. 6 for the Western Suburbs Magpies in the NSW Cup.

The 19-year-old shocked the NRL world by announcing he would be departing the Tigers at the end of his contract, which expires at the end of the 2026 season.

Watch your team in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership. Stream every round LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play, on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer.

That sparked head coach Benji Marshall’s decision to drop him for Round 7, picking Adam Doueihi in the No. 6 jersey in his place.

The story has had a huge number of twists and turns, with Galvin’s team sending a legal letter to the Tigers over a perception of bullying towards the young star.

Galvin was injected into the Magpies’ spine, running out against the Parramatta Eels at Lidcombe Oval in what was, remarkably, his first ever NSW Cup appearance.

Galvin warms up with his new teammates. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Around 500 spectators turned out to watch the rising star’s Magpies appearance, with the Tigers’ feeder club going down 22-10.

The rising star tried hard to spark Western Suburbs’ faltering attacking, having a hand in Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson’s try in the 72nd minute with a well-executed cut-out pass.

His short-range kicking game was also on point, with Galvin forcing three dropouts in the defeat, while he also helped save a try in the second half when Jordan Samrani made a break.

Despite that, Galvin was unable to inspire a win for the Magpies, who now sit in 12th place, one spot above the current bottom-placed Rabbitohs.

Galvin warms up. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

But fans seemed to appreciate his efforts according to reports from the ground.

Galvin, who had a personal security guard for the entire day according to Code Sports, wasn’t able to offer any comment before or after the game, having been instructed against talking to media, as was the case for other Magpies staff and players.

Galvin is expected to command more than $1 million a season on the open market.

Speaking ahead of his side’s clash with the Tigers on Monday, Eels coach Jason Ryles made it clear he was interested in Galvin’s services.

Galvin is tackled. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Galvin playing reserve grade for Western Suburbs Magpies against the Eels at Lidcombe Oval. Picture: Rohan Kelly

“Our five-eighth left, so we are in a market for a five-eighth and Lachlan Galvin is an exceptional talent,” Ryles said to Code Sports.

“So when the time is right we’ll be speaking with him.

“There seems to be a bit of a connection there from when he was a kid and played here as a junior. That all comes into it.

“At the end of the day, it’s about what’s best for Lachlan and his family. Hopefully we will be one of those clubs that, come 2027, he considers.”

Originally published as Lachlan Galvin gagged, given security chaperone in NSW Cup outing