Wests Tigers players are facing backlash for their “hypocritical” and “disgusting” treatment of teenage teammate Lachlan Galvin in public forums.
This week, Galvin was released by the Tigers after his agent, Isaac Moses, communicated the young player’s intention to depart at the end of the 2026 NRL season.
Shortly after the news broke, both captain Jarome Luai and star winger Sunia Turuva took to social media to make thinly veiled comments aimed at Galvin, while Fonua Pole also liked several disparaging posts regarding the 19-year-old.
League great Greg Alexander has condemned the situation as a form of bullying.
What makes the situation ironic is that both Luai and Turuva left the Panthers this year to join the Tigers, signing lucrative contracts in the process.
In reaction to the storm on social media, league icon Phil Gould described the behaviours of Luai and Turuva as “terrible”, while Dragons coach Shane Flanagan warned players to “be mindful” of their actions.
Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva have been criticised for their treatment of Lachlan Galvin. Getty
Flanagan commented, “Those two players who have made remarks about Lachie were also looking after themselves financially,” during a media address on Wednesday.
On the show Freddy and the Eighth on Wide World of Sports, both Brad Fittler and Andrew Johns took aim at the players involved.
Johns remarked, “If you asked Luai and Turuva, they’d probably wish they could take their comments back, considering they left Penrith to join the Tigers. So it comes across as hypocritical.”
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Fittler, upset by the online activity, perceived the players’ actions as a sign of arrogance.
He stated, “This situation reveals a lot about the club and the way they are handling what is going on with Lachie.”
Fittler asserted, “This kind of behaviour is unlikely to occur at Melbourne or other top clubs.”
Sunia Turuva targeted Lachlan Galvin in a social media post. Instagram
“In light of all the current discussions, this situation presents a prime opportunity to say nothing and focus on playing footy.”
Fittler found the events unfolding on social media quite distasteful: “It’s awful what’s happening. It’s just terrible.”
While both Fittler and Johns understood Galvin’s desire to leave, they expressed concern about his public claim that he would develop more effectively as a half elsewhere.
Galvin reportedly stated he did not feel he could achieve his full potential under the coaching of Benji Marshall, despite Marshall being one of the most celebrated halves in the sport’s history.
“I’m fine with him leaving; it’s just part of the game. Players move on,” stated Johns.
“What I find appalling is the implication he’s moving on because of Benji’s coaching. The way that story has been publicised to support Lachlan’s career is disgraceful.”
He went on to assert, “He’s become a pawn in all of this. For a 19-year-old, the pressure associated with a lucrative contract should not be placed on him.”
Johns added, “Benji has over 340 NRL games to his name, has won a World Cup, claimed a Golden Boot, and represented the Kiwis in over 30 Tests. If anyone is capable of coaching young halves, it’s Benji.”
He continued, “Also in the Tigers ranks is Jarome Luai, who has experienced success at various levels, including winning championships and playing for Samoa.”
“The attack on Benji is fundamentally disrespectful,” he added.
Fittler concurred that blaming Marshall’s coaching was absurd, especially considering the team’s strong defensive structure — a capability Marshall played a significant role in fostering.
He remarked, “Criticising Benji’s coaching approach is utterly ridiculous.”
The Tigers players, including Luai, are expected to address the media at midday on Thursday.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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