Paraphrased version:
Canterbury Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould has firmly dismissed any interest in signing Lachlan Galvin, stating that the club has “never at any point” engaged in discussions about the young playmaker. However, Gould left the door slightly open for a potential move years down the track, suggesting the Bulldogs might consider him “in five or six years” once he’s further along in his development.
Galvin’s situation at the Wests Tigers has deteriorated rapidly since he declined a lucrative contract extension. Following his rejection, he was demoted to the NSW Cup, and his camp has now issued a legal letter to the club alleging bullying by fellow players.
Gould expressed concern over the controversy surrounding the 19-year-old, describing the situation as full of “red flags” and noting how complex and uncertain his future has become. Speaking on Nine’s 100% Footy, Gould said, “I don’t know how a teenager is supposed to handle this level of scrutiny and the impossible situation he’s now in.”
He sympathized with long-suffering Tigers fans, acknowledging that despite years of underperformance, the club finally has promising young talent and had made bold moves in the market to strengthen their roster. “They’ve made tough calls on contracts, brought in quality players, and looked capable of making the top eight… and then, out of nowhere, everything blows up.”
Gould suggested the current crisis is being driven by competing agendas, media narratives, internal finger-pointing, and self-preservation on both the Tigers’ and Galvin’s sides. “It’s becoming unsustainable for everyone involved,” he said, warning that if the conflict doesn’t end on good terms, it’s bound to escalate. “It’s definitely going to get messy. Someone’s going to break silence.”
Later in the program, Paul Gallen questioned why the Tigers don’t simply release Galvin. Gould explained that the club is resisting doing so to avoid setting a dangerous precedent, particularly in relation to Galvin’s agent, Isaac Moses, who has been at the center of controversy in the past.
“If the Tigers give in now, it could encourage other managers to try the same disruptive tactics,” Gould said. “It’s opening Pandora’s box on multiple levels… which is why this situation is likely to get worse.”
Meanwhile, Tigers coach Benji Marshall hasn’t ruled out recalling Galvin for Sunday’s match against Cronulla.
