Former Wests Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis shocked by the timing of Lachlan Galvin’s contract bombshell

Former Wests Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis says he was “shocked” by the timing of Lachlan Galvin’s bombshell announcement he’d be leaving the club next season but said it was “inevitable” given the young five-eighth had previously asked for a release.

The Tigers confirmed on Monday that their gifted playmaker would leave at the end of the 2026 season and that his management hadn’t even considered the largest contract offer for a junior in the club’s history.

Galvin will now wait until November 1 when he can officially start negotiating with rivals, with the club stressing that their intention is for him to stay next season.

It’s an almighty blow for the Tigers who have shown plenty of promise in the opening rounds under Benji Marshall, with Galvin joining talented young guns like Stefano Utoikamanu, Shawn Blore and Onitoni Large to leave before their prime.

“I was shocked, not as to the substance of what had occurred, but I was shocked as to the timing,” Hagipantelis said on SEN on Tuesday morning.

“Lachie had requested when I was there on at least two occasions, perhaps even three, a release that was not granted.

“So I think it was inevitable. I think we all knew it was coming (based on) the fact that the boy was refusing to negotiate until November 1 and wanted to go to market, and I think that indicated where his head was at.

“But I just don’t understand the timing of it all. Why was it necessary to occur now in April and not allow it to just play out?

“I’m very concerned what impact it might have on the rest of the season because it will be a talking point moving forward until such time where it’s been resolved and he signs with another club.”

The timing of the announcement has shocked many, with an uncomfortable few months coming up for a club that is looking to end its finals drought but has to do so with a player that doesn’t want to be there.

Hagipantelis was asked why Galvin had previously asked for releases, but the former chairman couldn’t elaborate given those requests were put to former chief executive Justin Pascoe by player agent Isaac Moses.

“I can’t (explain it) because I don’t fully know,” he said.

“I was talking to Justin about it yesterday, and the requests were made by Isaac Moses to Justin directly, and Justin just said ‘no’ and shut the conversation down saying that he was contracted and wasn’t going anywhere.

“The reasons for it weren’t fully explored.

“He was unsettled, and I’ve heard from independent sources that it’s been made known for a little while that he wasn’t staying at that club, so none of this comes as a surprise.

“It’s only the timing of it. As I said, I don’t understand what the purpose was and what was the issue in April? Let it play out. If the Tigers play well and make the top eight, maybe that will influence him to think twice about his decision.

“It’s done and dusted now and a line has been drawn in the sand.”