Benji Faces Isaac: Tigers at a ‘Crossroads’ as Two More Players File Complaints

Reports have emerged that two additional Wests Tigers players have submitted grievances to the Rugby League Players’ Association concerning their treatment by the NRL club.

On Monday evening, Nine journalists Danny Weidler and Michael Chammas revealed that NRL-contracted players Justin Matamua and Brandon Tumeth have “expressed concerns regarding their treatment by the club”.

This news follows the disclosure that influential player agent Isaac Moses has threatened legal action on behalf of teenage talent Lachlan Galvin, citing claims of workplace bullying.

Galvin is currently at the centre of controversy at Concord after declining a lucrative contract extension proposal.

Tigers CEO Shane Richardson accused Moses of orchestrating a “smear campaign” against head coach and club icon Benji Marshall, with whom he allegedly has a longstanding personal rivalry.

Galvin was relegated to reserve grade last week, but Richardson remains firm that the playmaker will not be released from his contract prematurely, which is set to expire in October 2026.

“It’s Benji vs Isaac, and the issue here… I believe there will reach a point of no return,” reported Sydney Morning Herald’s Chammas on Nine’s 100% Footy on Monday.

“Isaac won’t relent here as it’s clear he wants his client (Galvin) released.”

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Moses has been known to push for the release of his clients from the Tigers, and it’s been noted that he now has another client who may be seeking an exit.

“Currently, Matamua is playing in the Ron Massey Cup, which is effectively below NSW Cup, while Tumeth is participating in Sydney Shield, which is even further down the ladder,” Chammas commented.

“Having two of your top-30 players competing at such a low level is unusual, and now these players have expressed their concerns to the RLPA regarding their treatment.”

“This is distinct from the previous incidents involving David Klemmer and John Bateman… I must emphasise that Klemmer, Bateman, and Tumeth are all represented by Isaac Moses, as is Galvin.

“Most of these grievances appear to stem from Moses.

“This is an issue the Tigers will need to handle alongside the ongoing Galvin situation, as players are voicing their concerns over the club’s management.

“People might say these players are complaining simply because they aren’t playing first-grade footy, yet the RLPA is increasingly worried about the trend emerging from the Wests Tigers.”

“I believe (their concerns are) centred around the club as a whole, the football department, and why they’re not being considered for first-grade selection instead of being assigned to Sydney Shield.”

Meanwhile, Canterbury’s Phil Gould publicly announced on Monday that the Bulldogs would not be pursuing Galvin, leaving Parramatta as the likely frontrunner for his signing.

Gould declined to comment on the ongoing saga, stating, “Rugby league is a peculiar game,” during an appearance on 100% Footy.

“It has grown more farcical by the day.”