Wests Tigers were flooded with threatening calls and emails directed at Lachie Galvin within hours of news emerging he would not extend his deal with the club beyond 2026.
Sources with knowledge of the situation not authorised to speak publicly confirmed the Tigers’ front office had received abuse directed at their 19-year-old playmaker.
One message featured the words: “You never know who is watching.” Another message said: “It’s a good thing you can run fast, otherwise we’d get you.”
The Tigers were forced to shut down the comments section on their social media accounts because of the abuse being aimed at Galvin, one of their local juniors.
On Galvin’s own Instagram account – on which he has not posted since early February – his last post drew nearly 800 comments this week from mostly disgruntled Tigers fans, but also a healthy dose of Parramatta fans urging him to join the Eels.
An emotional Tigers coach Benji Marshall discussed the intense blowback Galvin had received, referring to the threats during Thursday’s press conference. He learned about the specific threats against Galvin during the week.
Lachie Galvin at Wests Tigers training on Thursday. Credit: Renee Nowytarger
“Let’s chill with all the shit that’s coming his way, and just let him play footy,” Marshall said.
“I’ve got care for Lachie, and that’s been clear forever. I’ve never not once put him in a position where he felt uncomfortable. I’m all about the mental well-being of our players.
“This has been tough for him, and his parents. They’re good people – people need to understand they’re really good people, and they want the best for their son.
“As a parent, and if I put myself in that position, I’d be the same in wanting the same for my son. We need to take a chill pill on the things we’re saying about him and to him. The threats, all that stuff, it’s rugby league. The kid will move on. At the end of 2026 when he goes, the club will move on and so will he.”
Galvin had TV camera crews parked out the front of his family home on Monday evening after confirmation he and the Tigers would part ways.
The Tigers were privately concerned about the hostile reception Galvin would receive from Tigers supporters on Monday at a packed CommBank Stadium for their NRL clash against Parramatta, which was one of the reasons he was dropped to reserve grade.
Meanwhile, Adanm Doueihi, who will start in the halves with Luai, will play his 100th NRL game on Monday, with his parents, Pewter and Lena, to present him his milestone jersey.
Michael Chammas and Andrew “Joey” Johns dissect the upcoming NRL round, plus the latest footy news, results and analysis. Sign up for the Sin Bin newsletter.