The moment that shows the Wests Tigers’ cold war is over

It took just eight minutes for Lachlan Galvin and Jarome Luai to publicly banish any perceived difference as the teen returned to first grade – showing they can work together for the next 18 months.

It took just eight minutes for Lachlan Galvin and Jarome Luai to publicly banish any perceived differences – and categorically show they can work together for the next 18 months.

Wests Tigers’ cold war is over.

The love is still there for Galvin and it arrived from Luai, the star recruit who wanted his rookie teammate demoted just last week.

Back playing in the NRL, Galvin avoided any condemnation from the usually hostile, sold out Wests Tigers crowd who crammed Leichhardt Oval for Sunday’s thrilling golden point win over Cronulla.

Galvin and his teammates were cheered off the field at full-time. Reports of Galvin’s desire at Concord this year may be premature.

When big Wests Tigers forward Samuela Fainu surged over for a try after just eight minutes, Galvin and Luai high-fived in a clear sign the pair were ready to bond until the younger leaves after next season.

The euphoric smiles from both players after Fainu’s try said it all.

Lachlan Galvin and Jarome Luai showed they can still form a good combination.

Only last week, Luai was part of the leadership group which supported coach Benji Marshall’s decision to dump Galvin to the Wests Magpies.

Commentating on Fox League, former NRL star Michael Ennis said: “If you had any question marks about Luai and Galvin playing together, well there it is … it’s on show.”

Galvin received gentle applause when his name was read out to the crowd pre-game and played the entire game without a hint of crowd animosity.

Yes, a few fans booed but overall Galvin was welcomed back into the Wests Tigers fold. There was an expectation some supporters could turn on Galvin, after his decision to quit the club after next season.

Post-game Galvin went to sections of the crowd but appeared to be chaperoned by a security guard.

“I was doing it for the team,” Galvin said to Fox Sports after the match.

“I wanted to come in and do everything for the team. It wasn’t about me this week. We wanted to do our fans proud and not worry about myself. It’s been a big couple of weeks. I’m feeling great. I have massive support around me.

“All I want to do is play rugby league. That’s the reason I live, to play this game. I will let my footy do the talking. I’ve never been in golden point before – it’s pretty taxing on the body. We always want to come here to Leichhardt when it’s a packed crowd and win.”

Galvin had a warm reception at Leichhardt Oval. Picture: Tom Parrish

Roaming both sides of the field in attack, Galvin was cheered at times and worked well with Luai – who underwent and passed a second half HIA – at times on the left edge.

Luai was full of praise for Galvin.

“Not once have I said that I don’t like to play with him,” Luai said.

“I love playing with the kid, I love what he brings to our team, I love this club and I love this team and I think we all showed that.

“We love this jersey as well. Proud of the boys and hopefully this builds on throughout the year.”

Galvin and his Wests Tigers had the massive crowd at Leichhardt Oval – known as the Eighth Wonder of the World by locals – in raptures during a 20-18 extra-time victory. This was an epic game. Is there a noisier ground in the NRL?

And he certainly appeared relaxed pre-game.

This masthead spotted Galvin standing outside Wests Tigers’ dressing room, behind the Latchem Robinson Stand, an hour before kick-off looking relaxed with some associates.

Like most 19-year-olds, Galvin appears unaffected by pressure and expectations.

Wests Tigers chairman and former NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell was adamant about the behaviour Wests Tigers fans should show towards Galvin.

“I’d be very disappointed if there is a reaction to him today than is anything other than positive,” O’Farrell said.

“He has played his guts out for the club and is an ornament to the NRL. He’s not the first player in any club to be under doubt as to where he will be the year after next.”

Wests Tigers fan and former Ashes cricket fast bowler Wayne ‘Cracker’ Holdsworth said: “You don’t boo a kid because he’s leaving but fans are passionate in terms of support. I’m just disappointed we’re losing another good player and why we’re losing him.”

Most Wests Tigers fans interviewed before the match vowed not to boo Galvin and they were true to their word. Galvin caught the ball from the kick-off and submitted in the tackle to a few small but insignificant jeers.

The Tigers won a thrilling golden point match. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

His teammates appeared to embrace the young five-eighth despite some being critical of him last week through social media.

One Tigers fan insisted she would not condemn Galvin but would “give it” to his manager, Isaac Moses, if the pair ever crossed one another.

Tigers fans are disappointed Galvin is leaving but there seemed to be something holding them back from openly ridiculing the youngster on Sunday afternoon.

Galvin’s mum, Tracey, said she wouldn’t attend Sunday’s game for fear her son would be taunted but, ultimately, she had nothing to worry about.

The Galvin saga began a fortnight ago when he rejected a five-year extension, plus upgrades, worth $6m. Through his controversial manager Isaac Moses, Galvin refused to even consider Wests Tigers offer.

Originally published as The moment that shows the Wests Tigers’ cold war is over