Wests Tigers players insist they have welcomed Lachlan Galvin back into the fold and hope the club’s fans do likewise when he runs onto Leichhardt Oval on Sunday.
Galvin is back in first grade for the clash against Cronulla, a week after being dropped for rejecting a contract extension. The five-eighth was recalled despite serving the club a legal letter claiming he was bullied, following social media posts from teammates Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva.
Tigers players fronted the media for the first time about the developments ahead of a training session on Friday afternoon.
“Lachie’s a great fellow, a young kid, a great player. We need him back in the team, and he’s always been a part of the squad no matter what. I’m looking forward to playing with him again this week,” Bird said.
“He never lost the trust, so didn’t really have to do anything to earn it back.
“We all like him here, and we all know he’s a great player and what he provides for the team.
Lachie Galvin with his Tigers teammates.Credit: Renee Nowytarger
“He’s someone we need in the team, so we’re looking forward to playing with him.”
Asked about the prospect of Galvin being booed by his own fans, Bird said: “I hope not. We’ve gotta support him, he’s one of us still. But then again, like I said, that’s part of footy, so you just gotta cop it and take it on the chin.
“For his sake, I just hope they get around him and support him. If they do that, then I’m sure he’ll play a good game.”
Galvin’s mother, Tracey, has opted not to attend the game over concerns Tigers fans will boo him when he runs out against the Sharks. Prop Alex Twal, who is celebrating his 150th NRL appearance, hopes the five-eighth will get a good reception.
“Of course, I want the fans to cheer on all my teammates,” Twal said.
“Even when we do something wrong, I don’t want to hear any boos, I want all positivity for my teammates.”
Winger Brent Naden said there hasn’t been any tension following Galvin’s return to the top squad.
“We’ve always thrown our arms around him, we’ve stuck with him,” Naden said.
“It’s his job to play football. I think he blocked out the outside noises as much as he could … He’s always had my trust, he’s back in the team this week, and I’m looking forward to playing with him again and getting the win.”
Bird said he didn’t begrudge Galvin trying to make the best career decision for his future.
“There was no tension between myself and him, I don’t know about anyone else, but I never felt the tension around the club,” Bird said.
“There wasn’t really any conversation about clearing the air or anything like that.
“I felt like training was all pretty sweet last week. Obviously, there were a few things going on with it all, but, yeah, I never saw a real drama in it.
“I guess the air’s cleared now and I’m just excited to be with him again … Lachie and I, we get on like a house on fire, so there’s nothing to be worried about there.”
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