'Desperate' Tigers bounce back

The Tigers were desperate to finish a troubled week with a win when they travelled to Townsville on Saturday night - and it didn't happen. But Benji Marshall got the next best thing in one of rugby league's toughest road trips - a real dig from his players. Down 32-6 early in the second half, the Tigers looked set for a hiding. But in an amazing fightback, they piled on four quick-fire tries in an amazing 14-minute burst to reduce the deficit to 32-28 before time ran out. One more try and it would have been the greatest comeback in league history - that doesn't look like something an unhappy team - which some would want us to believe the Tigers are - could produce.

'Ease back': Tigers star's plea after Galvin saga ends

Adam Doueihi has urged people to "ease back" on criticising Lachlan Galvin as the young gun prepares to leave the Wests Tigers. After endless speculation, the 19-year-old now looks destined to join the Canterbury Bulldogs on a long-term deal in a major coup for the ladder leaders. While it has been incredibly messy, both the Tigers and Galvin can now move on and start fresh for the remainder of the 2025 campaign. A deal hasn't been formally signed yet but the expectation is that the playmaker will be at Belmore within the coming weeks or even days. His Tigers teammates clearly aren't attempting to keep up with the twists and turns of the negotiations. "Is there a resolution? I don't know too much," Terrell May said on Wednesday. "We had our first training session on Monday and got told that he was free to leave. "He's a good kid, wish him all the best - he's got to do what's best for him and his family. Obviously I'm sad, because me and him were pretty close. "I wish him all the best and I know he will do a great job at any club he goes to." Galvin has copped plenty of scrutiny throughout the process, which started when he and manager Isaac Moses told the Tigers they wouldn't accept a new deal beyond 2026. It led to claims of bullying within the club and Galvin's character called into question. But with things finally coming to a head, Doueihi said he hopes all parties can move on. "There's definitely been some news articles about it," the experienced utility said. "I enjoyed playing with Lachie, he's a good kid and definitely got a lot of talent. I guess if his future is at the Dogs, I wish him all the best and hope he has plenty of success there. "Seeing such a young kid with so much talent have that much media attention on him is definitely hard to take. There's always good players and bad players that come and go at each club. His future wasn't with us and I wish him all the best. "Coming into the NRL, he's had so much hype and media pressure on him and I know dealing with him here, he's dealt with it really well. "I hope everyone can ease back on him a bit now and let him play his footy." May went through his own contract saga last year after being told he was free to leave the Roosters and admitted he had spoken to Galvin about dealing with it. "Me and him spoke in private pretty deeply, but I'll leave that off the camera," May said. Benji Marshall's men will take on the Cowboys this weekend, with Heath Mason named to play five-eighth in place of Galvin.

Fresh blow for Wests Tigers as 'popular' figure set to follow Lachie Galvin and leave NRL club

Hot on the heels of the Wests Tigers telling Lachie Galvin he's free to leave immediately, the NRL club is reportedly set to lose their team manager as well. The Tigers held a board meeting this week in which it was agreed that Galvin could leave before the June 30 deadline if he can secure a deal with another club. The Tigers reportedly want a player in exchange for Galvin, or a $170,000 transfer fee. Amid speculation about where Galvin might end up, reports emerged on Thursday that team manager Billy Callaway is also set to depart. Wide World of Sports columnist 'The Mole' reported the news on social media without going into detail. When asked for a reason why Callaway is leaving, The Mole simply stated: "It's complicated". Callaway's LinkedIn page still has him as the 'NRL Team Manager at Wests Tigers Rugby League Football Pty Ltd'. He started at the Tigers in 2018 as a coaching and developing manager, before switching roles to become Football Operations Assistant and Facilities Manager. In 2021 under then-coach Michael Maguire he was promoted to team manager. In 2020 he was named 'Club Person of the Year' at the team's awards night, and according to The Mole he's a popular figure around the club.

How Benji stopped Tigers from 'imploding' after Galvin saga

It's a testament to Benji Marshall's man-management skills as much as his coaching ability that the Tigers have won both their games since Lachlan Galvin has been reinstated into the team. The Tigers' season was in danger of imploding when Galvin was dropped following his dispute with the club and the Tigers slumped to a loss to last-placed Parramatta. But Marshall bit the bullet, put Galvin back into the team despite clear tension in the camp - and the Tigers have scored impressive wins over the Sharks and Dragons. Galvin and Jarome Luai - the man who slammed him on social media - are combining well on the field and the crisis appears to be past.

'I'm happy': Tigers star squashes rumours amid Galvin saga

Jahream Bula has brushed off suggestions he could be the next player to want out at the Wests Tigers, with the fullback reiterating he is "happy" at the club. In the wake of the Lachlan Galvin saga, which will see the five-eighth leave at the end of next season, Bula's name was quickly thrown into the rumour mill. The 23-year-old is also managed by the controversial Isaac Moses, who has been at loggerheads with the Tigers for many years, leading to speculation he could suggest a future for the Fijian international at another NRL team. But speaking to media on Thursday, the fleet-footed Bula was quick to squash it. "I'm happy at this club - I don't really want to talk about that stuff," he said. "I don't really listen to the outside noise. They love you when you're up, they bash you when you're down - but I don't really listen to that stuff. "I listen to the people that have earned the right to say their opinion to me." Bula has become one of Benji Marshall's most potent attacking weapons and is already signed with the Concord-based outfit until the end of 2027. The recent issues involving Galvin - which included senior players being offside with the wantaway youngster before his successful return in round nine at Leichhardt Oval - haven't appeared to weigh on Bula. "I love the kid - we've got a good relationship and it's one I'll cherish forever," he said. "He's a very resilient kid and it showed when he played that game how resilient he is, especially after that tough week." The side will take on the Dragons on Saturday night at Magic Round.

'Love playing with the kid': Luai hits back at Galvin question

Lachlan Galvin has opened up on his return to the Wests Tigers, admitting he'd rather be at Leichhardt as opposed to Lidcombe Oval after starring in the side's win. Galvin's comments came before Jarome Luai spoke in his press conference, stating "I love playing with the kid". The five-eighth was selected by Benji Marshall for the Sharks match after being dropped to NSW Cup the week before following his management's decision to reject a contract offer. The contract call sparked a major fallout with a legal letter issued to the Tigers. However, Galvin put all the behind him and had a massive impact on the fixture, contributing with a try assist early. Speaking to Nine's Emma Lawrence post-game, Galvin described it a "one of the best wins I've been apart of". "I'll be honest, I'd rather be here than at Lidcombe on a Sunday. It was a great win and it's great to come out here and win in front of our fans and I can't be more grateful to be out here with the NRL team again and I loved it," he said. With suspense building over whether Tigers fans would boo Galvin, the five-eighth received nothing of the like. The 19-year-old said there were no nerves. "I don't really get nervous, more excited. I just wanted to get in the game, get in the rhythm of the game, get back into first grade, that's all I really wanted," he said. "It wasn't about me, it was about the team this week and that's what we wanted, to come out and win like we did. To nail that at the end was amazing." After the interview, Galvin embraced coach Marshall, in a big indication there's still a lot of appreciation between the two despite the five-eighth's main reason for leaving being his desire to develop under a different coach. Post-match, Marshall described Galvin's performance as "great". "He just went out and played footy, which is what he's always done," he said. "From that first try that he set up, that calmed the nerves and got everyone into the game and focused on footy." Sitting next to Marshall was Luai. The Tigers halfback posted 'team first' on his Instagram story after news broke of Galvin's intention to departure. The former Panthers star declared he's excited to play alongside Galvin for the rest of the season. "Yeah 100 per cent. Not once have I said that I don't like to play with him, I love playing with the kid, I love what he brings to our team, I love this club and I love this team and I think we all showed that, we love this jersey as well," he said. "I'm proud of the boys and hopefully this builds on throughout the year."

'Devastating blow' looms for Tigers amid messy feud

A tough month for Wests Tigers could be about to get a whole lot harder with the club needing to have a serious chat to star fullback Jahream Bula. One of the best young talents in the game, Bula is managed by the controversial Isaac Moses, who has decimated the club in recent years. Not only has Moses persuaded brilliant playmaker Lachlan Galvin to quit the club and leave it in a mess, he has a long track record of taking his best clients out of Tiger town. James Tedesco, Aaron Woods and Mitchell Moses were all moved on by the player agent and now that the gloves are really off following the messy Galvin saga, there is no doubt he will try to get Bula out as well. The club needs to tell Bula to get a new agent or move on. Other clubs who refuse to deal with Moses - notably the Roosters - have adopted that tactic. The club has nothing to lose as Bula will be lost to them at the end of 2026 when he can invoke a get-out clause in his contract. His departure would be another devastating blow to the Tigers at a time when the club is trying to rebuild and shed the dreaded wooden spoon after three straight seasons.

Moses Name Keeps Haunting Tigers

The double Moses factor was always going to ensure that Easter Monday ended in tears for the Tigers. After Isaac Moses' massive drama upon the Tigers with the Lachlan Galvin affair, his nephew destroyed the joint venture on the field in his comeback game. It was one of those days where all the stars aligned for the Eels - and the Tigers must now try to rebuild their season. The Tigers need to regroup for a make-or-break clash with the strong Sharks team on Sunday. And the heat is on Benji Marshall, who has to decide whether or not to recall Galvin after a week of high drama and mud-slinging. The Eels, meanwhile, are still in last spot but just two wins away from eighth spot on a congested ladder. With their brilliant leader Moses back at halfback and an impressive win to their name, the Eels will suddenly feel that their season is far from over.

Benji Marshall's stunning act for Lachlan Galvin's family as Luai hits back at dressing room claims

Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall has moved to stop the targeting of Lachlan Galvin and his family after it was confirmed youngster would leave the club as co-captain Jarome Luai hit back at reports around the playing group. Marshall, Luai and Api Koroisau fronted the media two days after news Galvin would not sign an extension and will leave the club at the end of 2026. There have been plenty of reports surrounding the circumstances of Galvin's exit.The Sydney Morning Herald reported the club's powerbrokers were told by Galvin's camp that the youngster didn't believe he could reach his playing potential under Marshall and that he "has no faith in his coach’s ability". Galvin made a statement and suggested he wanted to develop his game elsewhere in 2027. And the situation wasn't helped when Luai and Sunia Turuva took to social media to react to the drama after Galvin was dropped from the side to take on the Eels this weekend. Both players copped backlash for reacting to the 19-year-old's situation. While the likes of Phil Gould and Andrew Johns have slammed the drama surrounding Marshall and Galvin, the speculation around the club has continued. And Marshall opted to front the media on Thursday to address the situation. After reports Luai and Koroisau fronted Marshall after news of Galvin's pending departure, Marshall hit back and claimed he made the decision to drop the playmaker to NSW Cup this week, “As the coach, I have to decide what I think is best for the team and what’s going to win this week,” Marshall said on Thursday. “On a lot of levels, it is best that he doesn’t play this week. But at the end of the day, that was my call. I made that decision. And I had the support of my senior group, which was important.”

Surprise Galvin replacement the Tigers will be eyeing

Don't be surprised if the Wests Tigers look to Super League's current Man of Steel to replace Lachlan Galvin. Hull KR playmaker Mikey Lewis, a livewire 23-year-old, is rated among the best players in Britain and has already won five England Test caps. Lewis' coach at Hull is former Souths and St George halfback Willie Peters - a close mate of Tigers chief executive Shane Richardson. While teenage star Galvin is contracted to the Tigers until the end of 2026, he seems certain to head for greener pastures soon, given the tension between him, his manager and the club. Lewis had a breakout year in 2024 at Hull KR under Peters. He scored 19 tries, won the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters' Association player of the year and was also named Man of Steel - the Super League equivalent of the Dally Ms. He led Hull KR all the way to the grand final before they fell to a very strong Wigan side. Several NRL teams have their eyes on the young playmaker, but the Tigers will be in a great position to snare him to play alongside Jarome Luai once Galvin departs. The Tigers have a top class kid in Latu Fainu who could replace Galvin, but he has a bad history with injury and the Tigers could also use three playmakers in their top 30 squad.

Benji's Storm Clones

In the early 2020s, one of the secrets behind the Storm's success was the superb one-two punch of hookers Brandon Smith and Harry Grant. Before his move to the Roosters, Smith was among the best dummyhalves in the league and worried teams with his strength and running game. Then when the opposition began to tire, master coach Craig Bellamy would bring in youngster Grant, who would carve them up with his speed around the rucks. Benji Marshall obviously remembers how effective it was - because he is using his two hookers Api Koroisau and rookie Tallyn Da Silva in similar fashion. The pair were outstanding in the win over the Dolphins on Saturday night, both scoring tries and worrying the life out of the Redcliffe defence. Significantly, both scored the final tries of the first and second halves against fatigued opposition - rival coaches beware!

Deja Vu for the Tigers

Exactly 20 years ago, a magnificent spine of halves Scott Prince and Benji Marshall, fullback Brett Hodgson and hooker Robbie Farah combined to deliver Wests Tigers the unlikeliest of premierships. A 150-1 shot early in the season in the bookies' eyes, the Tigers stormed home to take the title in memorable style. It's been lean pickings since then - but suddenly the Tigers have found a spine to match the heady days of 2005. Halves Lachlan Galvin and Jarome Luai, hooker Api Koroisau and fullback Jahream Bula were all superb as the Tigers thrashed a lethargic Parramatta 32-6. With the quartet calling the shots, the Tigers played magnificent attacking football reminiscent to that used by Tim Sheens in that wonderful winter two decades ago. 

Why Benji has 'no excuses' amid Tigers rebuild

They may be three-time wooden spooners and not expected to make the finals - but the Tigers are the most under-pressure team in the NRL in 2025. The biggest off-season spending spree in the league has resulted in a very strong and talented roster - so the Tigers have no excuses left. If they fail to produce over the coming campaign, heads will roll. A bunch of talented kids has been boosted by four-time Panthers premiership-winner Jarome Luai, big boppas Royce Hunt and Terrell May and the versatile Jack Bird, who will probably start the year at lock. The spine looks sensational, anchored by boom young fullback Jahream Bula, with halves Luai and Lachlan Galvin calling the shots and wily hooker Api Koroisau getting the team going forward. Stefano Utoikamanu will be a loss up front but the arrival of Hunt and May should more than compensate for that. If they can keep their top 17 on the field for much of the season, get more joy from the bunker and referees and play to their potential, a finals berth isn't out of the question.

2025 gains: Jarome Luai (Panthers), Sunia Turuva (Panthers), Jeral Skelton (Bulldogs), Royce Hunt (Cronulla Sharks), Jack Bird (Dragons), Terrell May (Roosters)

2025 losses: Junior Tupou (Dolphins), Isaiah Papali'i (Panthers), Aidan Sezer (Hull FC), John Bateman (Cowboys), Stefano Utoikamanu (Storm), Solomon Alaimalo (rugby union), Jayden Sullivan (Rabbitohs).

Luai thrust into new role alongside ex-teammate

Jarome Luai will move straight into a leadership role with the Wests Tigers after being announced as one of the club's co-captains for 2025. A four-time premiership winner with Penrith, the 28-year-old has inked a long-term deal with the joint venture and joins Api Koroisau as a captain for the upcoming season. In a statement released on Wednesday afternoon, Luai expressed his gratitude towards his new club for giving him the responsibility straight out of the gates. "Being named captain of the Tigers with Api is an honour I don't take lightly," he said. "Api has set an incredible standard as a leader, and I'm excited to work alongside him again and contribute to building something special here. "I am grateful to the coaching staff for giving me this opportunity and I want to make my family, the team, our members and sponsors proud." Luai enjoyed a career-best season with the Panthers in 2024, stepping up in Nathan Cleary's absence and steering the side around the park. The playmaker will now become the main man at the Tigers in a role that head coach Benji Marshall thinks he can relish in the long-term. "Api has been a phenomenal leader for this club over the past two years, and his respect within the team is second to none," Marshall said. "Adding Jarome's passion and creativity to our leadership structure makes this partnership really exciting. Together, they bring a balance of stability and flair that will drive our team forward in 2025." Luai and Koroisau previously played together at the Panthers. The side kicks off its campaign against the Knights on March 7.

Skipper lifts lid on impact of brutal Tigers punishments

Api Koroisau has backed the hard-line stance from Wests Tigers coaches, admitting there has been a "chalk and cheese" difference since players were sanctioned. A trio of young stars, headlined by utility Latu Fainu, were slapped with breach notices after returning for pre-season training below the required fitness standards. After three consecutive wooden spoons, Benji Marshall has wiped the slate clean heading into 2025 and the club legend clearly means business at Concord. According to skipper Koroisau, the results are already showing since the group returned from their Christmas break. "One hundred per cent, it's been chalk and cheese," he told 2GB's Wide World Of Sports Radio. "Everyone knew the coaching staff weren't playing around anymore, the club wants to move in the right direction. They had to do what they had to do and I think it's paid off. "There's plenty of new guys here and they've brought a lot of energy with them, which is great for the culture as well. "I've been impressed with the young guys, they have actually come back and after a season under their belts, have turned it up a level." Koroisau will be entering his third year at the joint venture after winning back-to-back premierships during his stint with the Penrith Panthers. The dummy-half will be joined by former teammate Jarome Luai this year and the enigmatic Samoan international is bringing plenty to the table at the Tigers. "He's got great chat and everyone respects him so much" Koroisau said. "He is a superstar of the game and the way he's been able to speak when he's come in here has been very controlled. "He's not afraid to speak his mind, which will help us move in the right direction." Koroisau's men will kick off their NRL campaign against the Knights on March 7.

Benji Marshall 'unsure' if John Bateman will remain a Tiger

But Tigers coach Benji Marshall admits he is unsure if the English international will return to the club in January. Despite Marshall rubbishing suggestions he and the back-rower have had a falling out after he was granted a release to finish the 2024 season with Warrington in the Super League, there has been uncertainty around when he will return to pre-season or if he will at all. “I’m actually unsure, to be honest,” Marshall replied when asked if Bateman would return. “What I will say though is what’s been reported about is false, I haven’t had a falling out with John. “I’ve had honest discussions and in-house discussions around where John’s future is. Those discussions will remain private, but the things that have been reported are not true.”

Benji unsure if Bateman will stay at Tigers

Wests Tigers chief executive Shane Richardson says Englishman John Bateman will be at the club for the next two seasons if he wants to, while coach Benji Marshall rubbished suggestions he’s had a falling out with the back-rower that has led to uncertainty about his future. Bateman has spent two seasons at the Tigers and has another two years left to run on his deal, but it remains unclear whether he’ll return to the club for pre-season training after a messy few months on and off the field. The English veteran was granted a release to finish the 2024 season with Warrington in the Super League, with uncertainty surrounding whether he’d come back to the Tigers and when he’d have to start pre-season training. Bateman was linked with a move to the Sea Eagles but that appears to be off the table now, with Marshall unwilling to speculate on what might happen but happy to clear the air on rumours the pair had a falling out over a dressing room disagreement following a loss to the Rabbitohs. “I’m actually unsure, to be honest,” Marshall replied when asked if Bateman would return. “What I will say though is what’s been reported about is false, I haven’t had a falling out with John. “I’ve had honest discussions and in-house discussions around where John’s future is. Those discussions will remain private, but the things that have been reported are not true.” The Tigers have made several key signings for next year, and Richardson says Bateman can be part of their journey if he wants to see out his deal. “John’s got a contract for next year. We honour every contract at the club, so if John wants to be here for the next two years, then he’ll be here for the next two years. That’s a decision between him and his manager,” he said. “We’ve got plans for what we want to do in the future and we want every players who wants to be a part of that. It’s as simple as that. “That’s up to John Bateman (if he wants to be here). I can’t answer for John Bateman. I’d like to, but I can’t. “John knows that he’s got a contract in place, his manager’s made it clear he’s got a contract in place. We knew when he went to England he had a contract in place. We’ll deal with that as we get to it, but we’ll deal with John Bateman on that, not you guys (the media).”

Get rid of them - Great's shock call on Tigers trio

Dual international Mat Rogers has urged the Wests Tigers to "get rid of" players who failed to return for pre-season in shape. Latu Fainu, Solomona Faatape and Solomone Saukuru will front the club's board after their weight and skinfold tests weren't at the expected level, while their 1.6km time trial numbers also fell short in the first week of training. The message sent by coach Benji Marshall has been applauded by those within the game, with the trio breached for their lack of fitness. But according to Rogers, who represented Australia in both league and union, the coach and chief executive Shane Richardson need to take it a step further. "I'd be shocked if they wear a Tigers jersey again," he said on SEN Radio. "They are not star players by any stretch. They are in the top 30 squad of the team that came last and rock up to training in that condition. "Personally, if I was Benji Marshall and Shane Richardson, I'd just get rid of them. Get three blokes in there that actually want to add value to the place. "That's not how a good club operates. The fact they have to front the board, I will genuinely be shocked if they have a career beyond that meeting at the Wests Tigers." Along with being a former player, Rogers is also an accredited agent, working with a host of young players vying for spots on an NRL roster. His comments come after Roosters star Brandon Smith also took aim at the misfiring group of players, labelling their attitude as "disrespectful" towards the club. Fainu is one of the most exciting young prospects in the game, while his older brother Samuela took out the club's Player of the Year award in 2024. Faatape played a handful of first grade games this year, while Saukuru is yet to debut.

'All eyes' on Benji's Tigers after 'favourable' 2025 draw

The under-pressure Cowboys have one of the toughest early runs for 2025 in the new draw that was announced on Thursday morning. The Cowboys start the season with a hard road trip to Manly and also meet four-time premiers Penrith twice in the first 10 rounds. They also take on the Broncos and Rabbitohs - two teams expected to improve in 2025 - in the early rounds - as well as the highly-ranked Sharks. The Bulldogs, by contrast, have an easier draw, taking on struggling Dragons, Titans and Eels in the first three rounds. They also play the Knights, Rabbitohs and Titans again in the opening 10 rounds. Cameron Ciraldo's Dogs only meet two of last year's top eight in the opening 10 rounds, giving them every chance to get off to a flying start. The draw has done the Broncos no favours for the start of the Michael Maguire era. In the first four rounds, they meet the strong Roosters (away), Raiders (away), followed by arch rivals the Cowboys and Dolphins. Premiers Penrith have a demanding start, taking on the Sharks (Las Vegas), Roosters and Storm in a grand final re-match in the opening three rounds. All eyes will be on the Tigers and they have a favourable draw to start what will be a make-or-break season. They meet only three finals teams from last year in the opening 10 rounds and play the Eels - one of the wooden spoon favourites, twice early on. Jason Ryles has a tough start at the Eels, taking on three strong sides in Storm, Bulldogs and Sea Eagles in the first month.

Teen star among Tigers players breached for fitness issues

Young gun Latu Fainu has been revealed as one of five Wests Tigers players who were reportedly reprimanded for their fitness standards. According to a report from The Sydney Morning Herald, five Tigers players were issued official warnings by the club after returning to training last week out of shape. It has since been reported by the Herald that the 19-year-old Fainu was among the group and produced a poor performance in a time trial. Fainu played nine games for the joint-venture in his rookie 2024 season. The news comes after Roosters star Brandon Smith took a bold swipe at the players for turning up lacking fitness after the side's third-straight wooden spoon. "If I'm (Tigers coach) Benji Marshall, geez I find it disrespectful on the players' behalf," Smith said on The Bye Round podcast. "Three wooden spoons in a row, a new coach and you're going to come back out of condition. It begs the question, do you really want to play this game and what do you want to play for? "Do you want to play it because it looks cool and you want to make money, or do you want to play it because this means something to you and you want to win championships and you want to do great things in this game? "That is just not what it's telling me. Senior players like Jarome Luai, Api Koroisau, what are they thinking as well? "Are they thinking … are these players that we need around? Are these players that are going to help me win games and not be wooden spooners? "I'm not gonna be a, you know, nice guy about it, but you can't have three years in a row (finishing last) and that's not motivation for you to want to come back and put your best foot forward for this team and for Benji as a new coach." Podcast co-host James Graham agreed with the sentiment. "It is disrespectful," the retired Bulldogs and Dragons forward said. "It's a slap in the face to the whole organisation to say we agreed on this and you failed on something, on a variable, that is totally and utterly in your control." The strict new stance from the Tigers comes as the club looks to avoid a fourth-straight wooden spoon in 2025 and give Benji Marshall some breathing room as head coach.