Billy Slater has weighed in on the Lachlan Galvin saga at the Wests Tigers, admitting it could “derail their season” after a strong start to their campaign.
The 19-year-old dropped a bombshell on the club last week, revealing he would not be re-signing for 2027 and beyond, with the Eels looming as a likely landing spot.
What has ensued since has been nothing short of chaos.
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From leaks to the media from Galvin’s manager Isaac Moses about the coaching of Benji Marshall, to social media potshots from Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva, things have spun out of control at a rapid rate for the teenage playmaker.
Galvin was axed from the first grade side for the traditional Easter Monday clash with Parramatta, plying his trade in reserve grade for the Wests Magpies, but now looks set to earn a recall for round eight according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
Lachlan Galvin in action in NSW Cup. Getty
While the club is adamant Galvin won’t be leaving Concord before his deal expires, many have labelled the situation untenable as claims of bullying emerge.
Speaking on Nine’s Billy Slater Podcast, the legendary fullback was quizzed about the situation at the joint venture and questioned whether Galvin was even to blame.
“I have no idea what’s gonna happen, but I know it’s a mess,” Slater said.
“It’s really unfortunate, because you’ve got a young 19-year-old star of our game caught in the middle of a mess. I don’t know the ins and outs, but it seems that communication has broken down privately and now it’s become public communication.
“One thing I do know, when you’re 19 years old, you’re not making these big decisions – you are heavily advised by the people around you.
“I don’t know what’s gonna happen, but I know it’s a mess.”
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In their first game after the Galvin news broke, the Tigers lost to the Eels and are now sitting in 12th spot with three wins and four losses.
Things won’t get any easier over the next month, with fixtures against title contenders Melbourne and Cronulla, as well as a tough Magic Round clash with the Dragons.
While it could be too early to write off the Tigers in terms of finals football, Slater didn’t shy away from the fact that the Galvin saga could have a major impact.
Wests Tigers young gun Lachlan Galvin. Getty
“You think about the fans, people who have stuck through the tough times,” he said.
“There’s a footy team on their hands now and a season they are looking forward to. They are optimistic about playing finals for the first time since 2011 and now this.
“If I was a Wests Tigers fan, I would be a little bit disappointed about how the situation is at the moment. This could definitely be something that could derail their season and overshadow what they are trying to do on the field.
“You’ve got a star player sitting out because of a political decision – this is not anything to do with form or ability, it’s to do with a difference of opinion.
“It’s like any relationship – as soon as communication breaks down, it’s over.”
Galvin is expected to play Sunday’s game against Cronulla.
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