Benji Marshall has asserted that his players are “not bullies,” while Jarome Luai has dismissed any suggestion of animosity between himself and young Tigers teammate Lachlan Galvin.
The coach, alongside senior players, addressed the media on Thursday, following days of upheaval since Galvin’s management declined a lucrative contract extension from the Concord club.
Luai and Sunia Turuva had taken to social media, seemingly targeting Galvin with thinly veiled remarks.
League legend Greg Alexander remarked that this behaviour amounted to bullying the 19-year-old, with Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler highlighting the hypocrisy displayed by the former Penrith players.
During a media briefing on Thursday, Marshall voiced his disapproval of the social media taunts.
Wests Tigers halfback Jarome Luai speaking to the media. Nine
“I don’t believe he’s being bullied by his teammates,” Marshall stated.
“We don’t tolerate bullying, and I addressed this with the team this morning. That’s not who we are. My players are not bullies. Their reactions were emotional, but this isn’t bullying.”
“I feel that Turuva’s actions were misguided… but am I going to reprimand him for it? No, that’s unnecessary.”
Co-captain Api Koroisau refuted claims that Galvin had been bullied, while Luai acknowledged the scrutiny of his Instagram remark.
He admitted, “Things have been a bit chaotic lately,” and noted that none of the senior players had engaged with Galvin recently.
“Our relationship was strong up until now. I’ve enjoyed playing alongside him,” Luai reflected.
“There are definitely no hard feelings.”
Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall. Nine
“I was merely voicing support for the coach and our club’s values… we’re striving to embody behaviours that put the team first.”
Luai acknowledged that the attacks from Galvin’s management on coach Marshall did initially provoke his ire.
“A bit for me, yes,” he confirmed.
“He’s our coach. If you show him disrespect, you’re disrespecting us as a team, and I won’t condone that.”
“I believe he has been disrespected, but we’ve handled it within the team.”
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Marshall has confirmed that Galvin will be eligible for selection next week and has no intention of allowing him to exit his contract before it concludes at the end of next year.
Galvin has been omitted from Monday’s match against Parramatta.
“As the coach, it’s my responsibility to determine what’s best for the team,” Marshall explained.
“In many ways, it’s better for him not to play this week. I made that choice, supported by my senior players… but ultimately it was my decision.”
“He will be available every week moving forward. I had a discussion with Lachie this morning. He needs to go out there, play his best, and win back trust and respect.”
“I still see him as a valuable player. He owes me nothing, and he owes the club nothing. He’s with us for the next 18 months.”
“Yes, I want him here. I truly enjoy coaching Lachie, and I told him this morning – ‘I believe you’re the future of the club’.
“This has been tough for him, and his parents are wonderful people. We need to ease up on the negative attention directed at him.”
The coach admitted to feeling caught off guard by agent Isaac Moses’ personal criticisms made during a meeting with club management last week.
Nevertheless, he is willing to continue his support for Galvin.
Lachlan Galvin. NRL Photos
“I think it’s crucial to focus on player development… I reminded the players that they shouldn’t harbor resentment towards someone who is pursuing what they believe is best for their career,” Marshall remarked.
“In negotiations, it’s about doing what’s right for you. There’s no animosity regarding that.”
“I was taken aback by the situation, and a tad disappointed.”
“There are those who doubt my coaching abilities anyway, so it’s not much different from the opinions of the public.”
“I feel for Lachie. He’s young and wants to secure the best future possible. He’s a passionate 19-year-old who loves the game.”
“We need to stop the chatter surrounding this, for his well-being as well.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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