Ex-Broncos Coach Urges Galvin to Walk Away from Wests Tigers Immediately
Former Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters has made a bold statement, saying if he were in Lachlan Galvin’s shoes, he’d be pushing to exit the Wests Tigers immediately.
Galvin, a teenage prodigy, was dropped to the NSW Cup earlier this week, shortly after it was revealed he plans to leave the Tigers when his contract expires at the end of 2026. Despite the slim possibility of him regaining the trust of head coach Benji Marshall and his teammates, Galvin may have already played his last NRL match for the club.
Rumours have also emerged about a potential three-way player trade that could see Galvin head to the Parramatta Eels, with Dylan Brown moving to Newcastle ahead of schedule. Regardless of how that unfolds, Walters believes the 19-year-old should be doing everything in his power to exit now—especially with reports circulating that he’s been subjected to bullying within the team.
“That’s absolutely bullying,” Walters declared.
“If I were Galvin, I’d be saying, ‘Get me out of here now.’ These guys clearly don’t want him around.”
Walters also expressed concern for how this situation reflects on the club’s leadership.
“If you’re Benji or part of the Tigers’ management, you’d be furious. They were beginning to build credibility, and this has torn it apart.”
Benji Marshall publicly denied any bullying claims during a press conference on Thursday. Star recruit Jarome Luai also clarified that his “team first” social media post was meant to back Marshall, not to criticise Galvin.
While Walters strongly defended Galvin over his treatment, he dismissed any suggestion that Marshall is stunting the young star’s growth.
“That’s absolute rubbish,” said Walters.
He drew a parallel to his own experience when Broncos winger Selwyn Cobbo once commented that Walters was a “good person” but “not the best coach.” Walters recalled being deeply frustrated by the remark, which Cobbo later apologised for.
With that in mind, Walters stood firmly behind Marshall’s coaching ability.
“Benji understands the game inside and out — as a playmaker, a captain, and a star. Look at him at 17; he was already making waves in the NRL.”
Walters, however, questioned the decision to sideline Galvin.
“If it were me, I wouldn’t have dropped him. Benji’s under enormous pressure — if the team loses again this weekend, it won’t be the players in the firing line. It’ll be Benji and the club’s management. If things don’t turn around, it’s Benji who’ll lose his job. He’s in a really difficult spot.”
