Legal Bombshell Rocks Wests Tigers: Teen Star Lachlan Galvin Alleges Bullying After $6M Snub

Lachlan Galvin’s future at the Wests Tigers has been thrown into deeper uncertainty after his management issued a legal letter to the club, alleging that the 19-year-old has been subjected to bullying and an unsafe working environment. The claims surfaced shortly after Galvin rejected a lucrative $6 million contract extension, choosing instead to see out his current deal, which ends in 2026.

The Cove Agency, which manages Galvin, formally raised concerns about the treatment he has received since turning down the extension. As a result, the club has been forced to increase security measures ahead of Galvin’s next game, due to threats and online abuse targeting the young playmaker. Despite the escalating situation, Galvin has told officials he still wants to play for the Tigers’ feeder team, the Wests Magpies, on Monday. However, it remains unclear if the legal developments will affect that decision.

The controversy has sparked speculation that Galvin may have already played his final game for the Wests Tigers, although the club remains firm that he won’t be released early from his contract. The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) has stepped in, maintaining contact with Galvin, his management, and senior players to monitor the situation.

Social media has been a key flashpoint in the saga. Tigers winger Sunia Turuva posted a video of Galvin’s locker with the caption “here comes the money,” which led to warnings from the club about players’ conduct online. The backlash grew so severe that the Tigers were forced to disable comments on their social media platforms due to the volume of abuse directed at Galvin.

Head coach Benji Marshall, joined by co-captains Jarome Luai and Api Koroisau in a recent press conference, defended the team’s culture. “I don’t think he’s been bullied by the other players,” Marshall stated. “I’ve always cared about Lachie. I’ve never put him in a situation where he felt uncomfortable. Let’s chill with all the negativity and just let him play footy.”

Despite the tension, the Tigers maintain a public stance of support for Galvin, but the legal actions and mounting pressure suggest that a resolution may still be far off.