Spot the detail in this photo that proves the NRL's biggest scandal has got completely out of control for 19-year-old star Lachlan Galvin
- Rejected record-setting contract in split from Wests
- Was demoted to play reserve grade on Easter Monday
Lachlan Galvin's demotion to reserve grade on Easter Monday was anything but ordinary, as heavy security and a media gag order overshadowed his appearance for Western Suburbs in the NSW Cup.
The 19-year-old, who was once considered the Wests Tigers' brightest young star, was accompanied by a personal security guard throughout the day and was forbidden from speaking to the media before or after the match.
Despite the tense circumstances, Galvin received loud applause from a 500-strong crowd as he took the field at Lidcombe Oval, wearing black and white and the number six on his back.
This was his first appearance since rejecting a near $6million contract extension from the Tigers, citing concerns over his development under head coach Benji Marshall.
Galvin's playmaker role couldn't prevent the Magpies from going down 22-10 to the Parramatta Eels, though he did notch a try assist late in the match with a sharp cut-out pass to Izaac Tu'itupou Thompson.
At full-time, Galvin exited the field with his teammates, flanked once again by his security guard.
Lachlan Galvin was flanked by a security guard wearing a green shirt, bucket hat and sunglasses for the majority of the day as he played reserve grade on Monday (pictured)
Galvin did not answer any questions from the media about his split with Wests Tigers, which has become the biggest story in the NRL
Players and staff were placed on a strict media ban, heightening the sense of a club in crisis.
The teenager's exile follows a dramatic week that has seen the situation spiral into the NRL's biggest scandal.
The Tigers have been accused of creating a hostile environment for Galvin after his decision to walk away from contract talks.
According to reports, his management has served the club with a legal letter alleging the player has been bullied and denied a safe workplace since the news broke last week.
Teammates Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva posted subtle digs at Galvin on social media in the days following his announcement, prompting accusations of targeted behaviour.
While Wests Tigers maintain Galvin will not be released early from his contract, set to expire at the end of next season, pressure is mounting amid calls for the club to reconsider.
The Tigers' 38-22 loss to Parramatta at CommBank Stadium later that day - a game Galvin did not attend, reportedly with the club's blessing - only intensified the scrutiny.
That defeat, and the team's on-field ill-discipline, raised further questions about whether the Galvin saga is affecting the playing group.
The drama surrounding Galvin's decision has lurched from bad to worse in a rapidly escalating situation
Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall has come under fire as well and is now facing allegations of bullying in the ranks
In Monday's post-match press conference, a reporter asked co-captain Api Koroisau if the Galvin situation had impacted the squad's performance.
Before he could respond, club chief executive Shane Richardson took the extraordinary step of cutting in from the side of the room and jeering at the journalist.
'Richo, it's a legitimate question,' the reporter replied, prompting an awkward pause.
Koroisau eventually answered: 'We get together, we're here to play footy, we just have to focus on that.'
Benji Marshall had earlier defended his decision to drop Galvin from the NRL squad for the Easter clash.
'I said to Lachie to go back to reserve grade and play his best footy and earn some trust and respect back,' Marshall said.
'I thought it was the best thing for the team this week.'
He also denied the bullying claims, stating: 'I don't think he's being bullied by the other players.'
'Emotional responses to things happening might seem like it but there's been no sense of bullying at our end and we don't stand for bullying.'
The club's internal response has done little to quell public speculation, especially after Galvin's camp raised serious concerns about his treatment.
Meanwhile, rival clubs are circling, with Parramatta emerging as favourites for his signature, given Galvin shares a manager with halfback Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown is set to depart next year.
Canterbury football boss Phil Gould confirmed his club is not in the race, leaving the Eels as the most likely suitor.
