- Lachlan Galvin will play against Sharks
- Youngster recently dropped to NSW Cup
- Galvin, 19, won’t be at the Tigers long term
A testy Benji Marshall has declared he doesn’t care if people query his surprise decision to recall Lachie Galvin, side-stepping questions as to whether the five-eighth had regained trust at the Wests Tigers.
Coach Marshall is ‘sick of talking’ about the saga that began earlier this month when the Tigers announced generational talent Galvin had declined to review their offer of a contract extension.
The rejection triggered public ridicule from teammates on social media and has meant the man touted as a linchpin of the club’s rebuild will leave after 2026 – if not sooner.
In consultation with senior players, Marshall last week dropped the 19-year-old prodigy, claiming he needed to regain the playing group’s trust and respect.
Marshall was non-committal as to whether Galvin had done that after playing reserve grade for Western Suburbs.
‘Yeah, look, I’m just focused on the game, really, to be honest,’ the coach said ahead of Sunday’s clash with Cronulla at Leichhardt Oval.
Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall has declared he does not care if people query his surprise decision to recall Lachie Galvin
Marshall is ‘sick of talking’ about the saga that began earlier this month when the Tigers announced Galvin had declined to review their offer of a contract extension
‘I’m sick of talking about that (the Galvin saga). I’ve said it every week, I’ll pick the team that I think is best.
‘I know everyone wants to talk about all of these things, but we are moving on to the game. That’s our focus.’
Pressed as to what he would say to those questioning the sudden change of heart, the 2005 premiership hero was terse.
‘Why would I care what people say?’ he responded.
‘Everyone wants to know why (I decided to recall him). I pick the team, you don’t need to know why.
‘This is the team I’ve picked that I think is best for us this week and we’ll go with it.’
Marshall is hopeful Galvin will not be booed by the Tigers’ home crowd on Sunday given almost two weeks have passed since news of his impending exit broke.
‘Pretty positive, I’d say,’ Marshall said of Galvin’s anticipated reception.
Winger Sunia Turuva (left) posted on Instagram his thoughts about Galvin seeking a bigger deal elsewhere – despite himself leaving the Panthers for a lucrative deal at the Tigers
‘The dust has settled a bit since last week so we’re just going to get behind him, we’re expecting him to do his usual thing and play the way he plays.
‘If he sets up a try early or scores one, that will help.’
The Tigers fell to wooden spoon favourites Parramatta in Galvin’s absence on Easter Monday, notably leaking three tries in six minutes just after half-time.
Marshall did not expect emotions to be running so high this weekend at Leichhardt Oval.
‘Last week with all the distractions and up and downs of what happened, everyone can just chill now and just play,’ he said.
‘No doubt last week was a big week for everyone so just move on and get on with our footy.’
The Tigers gave Galvin the option to take last weekend off rather than play reserve grade – but he was eager to front up.
For all the divide between the club and Galvin’s agent, Isaac Moses, Galvin has impressed Marshall since his decision to reject the contract offer.
‘He’s handled it incredibly well, given his age. To go through all this stuff and be so public with everything, it’s quite hectic for him but he handled it really well,’ Marshall said.
‘He tried really hard (in reserve grade) and had a really good attitude and we want him to do that for us on Sunday.’
