Phil Gould explains why the Tigers won’t part ways with Lachlan Galvin as Bulldogs’ interest fizzles out.

Canterbury Bulldogs’ general manager, Phil Gould, has firmly stated that the club is not pursuing Lachlan Galvin, emphasising, “We’ve never been in any discussions at any point.”

Nonetheless, Gould didn’t completely discount the possibility of a future interest in Galvin in five or six years when he has progressed further in his development.

The circumstances surrounding Galvin have increasingly deteriorated since he declined the Wests Tigers’ lucrative contract proposal.

The five-eighth was subsequently demoted to the NSW Cup, and his representatives have lodged a legal letter with the Tigers alleging bullying by teammates.

Gould remarked that Galvin’s circumstances are raising numerous “red flags,” with the young player’s future becoming increasingly uncertain.

“I can’t imagine how a 19-year-old is managing all this attention in such an unmanageable situation,” he expressed on Nine’s 100% Footy.

“This is detrimental to the game. I genuinely feel for the Wests Tigers fans, who have endured years of disappointing performances. They finally have an impressive young squad emerging, and they’ve made strategic moves to strengthen the team with some excellent signings.

“They’ve made tough decisions to clear out other contracts and have shown potential for a resurgence in their performances this season, with the possibility of making the finals… only for it to suddenly implode.

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“This situation was completely unexpected. What led to this unfolding? At this moment, it appears there’s a whirlwind of agendas, damage control, deflection, and finger-pointing happening. Everyone in the media is after a scoop, while the Tigers’ camp is trying to safeguard their positions, and the Galvin family is also looking out for themselves. The entire situation has become unbearable for everyone involved.”

Gould cautioned that if an amicable resolution is not reached, “things are likely to get worse.”

“There’s no doubt it’s going to turn ugly; someone is bound to reveal the truth,” he said.

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Later in the episode of 100% Footy, Paul Gallen critiqued the Tigers’ hesitance to sever ties with Galvin.

Gould elaborated that the club is avoiding acquiescing to Galvin’s management, particularly the contentious agent, Isaac Moses.

“Another consideration is setting a precedent. If they allow this situation to happen, it could lead to other managers causing similar disruptions,” he explained.

“There’s a Pandora’s box being opened here on various fronts… which is why things are bound to escalate.”

Tigers coach Benji Marshall has not excluded the possibility of selecting Galvin for Sunday’s clash against Cronulla.