SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 16: Lachlan Galvin of the Wests Tigers warms up during the 2025 NRL Pre-Season Challenge match between Canterbury Bulldogs and Wests Tigers at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium on February 16, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Shaun Lane Steps Away from NRL Amid Uncertain Future
Shaun Lane has decided to step back from rugby league immediately, with growing speculation that the veteran second-rower is reconsidering his long-term future in the NRL.
The 30-year-old will miss this weekend’s clash against the Tigers. After being demoted to reserve grade, Lane has opted to take a complete break from the sport.
Parramatta’s reserve side is set to face Western Suburbs on Easter Monday in the NSW Cup, with a strong lineup including Joe Ofahengaue, Bryce Cartwright, Wiremu Greig, and Ryan Matterson. However, reports suggest all four could be on their way out of the club. Ofahengaue is expected to move to the Super League, while Cartwright and Greig are off-contract. Matterson, though contracted through next season, may also depart as part of a major off-season overhaul.
Lane has been a key figure for the Eels, earning multiple accolades including the club’s player of the year in 2022, during their Grand Final run. His decision comes as the Eels endure a rough 1-5 start under new head coach Jason Ryles, whose roster shake-up has caused friction.
The club released a statement backing Lane’s choice but didn’t clarify whether the break will be temporary.
“Shaun Lane is taking some time away from the game to consider his future and won’t be playing this weekend,” the statement read. “As a club, we are supporting him through this period.”
Tigers Respond to Galvin Abuse Fallout
The Wests Tigers have been forced to act following a wave of abusive emails and phone calls targeting Lachie Galvin, after the teenage five-eighth announced his intention to leave the club at the end of 2025.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the club received disturbing messages like “you never know who is watching” and “it’s a good thing you can run fast.” The abuse extended to social media, prompting the Tigers to disable comments on their official pages.
The 19-year-old has also faced criticism from teammates including Sunia Turuva, Fonua Pole, and co-captain Jarome Luai. Posts included taunts such as “Here comes the money” and endorsements of negative commentary about Galvin’s decision.
Despite this, head coach Benji Marshall dismissed suggestions that Galvin was being bullied by his teammates. He acknowledged the emotional response from some players but emphasized the club’s stance against bullying.
“I care about our players’ mental wellbeing – this has been hard on Lachie and his family,” Marshall said. “We need to tone down the threats and abuse. It’s rugby league – he’ll move on, and so will the club.”
Marshall added he addressed the situation with the team but saw no need for disciplinary action over emotional reactions.
Galvin, who was offered a break from this week’s action, declined and will instead play in the NSW Cup on Monday after being dropped from the top squad.
Seibold Slams NRL Fixture Congestion
Manly coach Anthony Seibold has called on the NRL to review its fixture planning after the Sea Eagles were forced to play three matches in just 11 days – a stretch he says has derailed their season.
Following their narrow 20-18 defeat to St George Illawarra on Thursday, Manly could now be without Nathan Brown (shoulder), Jake Trbojevic (concussion), and Tommy Talau (leg) for next week’s clash with Penrith.
Star fullback Tom Trbojevic could return next round, but Seibold also confirmed hooker Lachlan Croker will be sidelined for a month following knee surgery.
