Wests Tigers young gun Lachie Galvin is facing a possible suspension from club duties following a turbulent fallout with head coach Benji Marshall, sources inside the club have revealed.
The 19-year-old playmaker, widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in the NRL, has reportedly been at the centre of mounting tensions behind closed doors after a series of disagreements with Marshall over team selections, on-field tactics, and Galvin’s role within the squad. While the Tigers have yet to make an official statement, insiders say the situation has escalated to the point where disciplinary action is now firmly on the table.
The saga reportedly began in late March, when Galvin was benched for the Tigers’ Round 4 clash against the Raiders, a decision that shocked many fans and drew criticism from pundits. At the time, Marshall stated it was a “strategic rotation,” but reports have since emerged that Galvin was left “fuming” over the call and was not shy about expressing his frustration.
According to multiple sources, tensions peaked during a closed-door video review session last week, when Galvin allegedly challenged Marshall’s critique of his defensive efforts, leading to a heated exchange in front of teammates. Club officials intervened, and Galvin was excused from training the following day “for personal reasons.”
While some teammates have downplayed the incident as a “passionate disagreement,” others suggest it reflects a deeper rift between the club’s rising star and its coaching staff.
“Lachie is a competitor — he wears his heart on his sleeve,” one senior player told NRL Confidential on the condition of anonymity. “But this isn’t the first time things have gotten tense. There’s definitely been friction.”
The Tigers are reportedly considering a short-term ban from team activities for Galvin as they attempt to cool the situation. Club officials are expected to meet on Friday to discuss possible sanctions, with options ranging from a formal warning to a one-week stand-down.
Adding to the drama, Galvin’s management has requested a meeting with the club’s board to discuss his future, raising eyebrows amid speculation that rival clubs — including the Bulldogs and Dolphins — have been monitoring the situation closely.
Former NRL star and Fox League commentator Michael Ennis weighed in on the saga, urging the Tigers to tread carefully.
“You’ve got one of the most promising halves in the game here,” Ennis said. “Yes, you need discipline and unity, but you also need to nurture your talent. If this ends with Lachie walking out the door, it’s a disaster.”
Galvin, who made his debut in 2024 and quickly became a fan favourite, has yet to publicly comment on the matter. He was notably absent from the club’s Anzac Day promotional events this week, fueling speculation further.
The Wests Tigers currently sit 14th on the ladder, and the internal turmoil comes at a time when the club can ill afford distractions.
For now, fans will be left waiting to see whether the club can mend the growing divide — or if one of its brightest stars could be headed for the exit.
