RLPA confirms talks with Wests Tigers despite club's denial
Updated . First published
Another twist has come in the reports complaints have been made against the Wests Tigers, with the RLPA confirming it's talking to the club despite a denial.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Tigers denied a complaint has been made to the RLPA by two players as the club continues to deal with the fallout of the Lachlan Galvin situation.
On Monday, news broke from The Sydney Morning Herald that contracted players Justin Matamua and Brandon Tumeth allegedly "raised issue with how they've been treated by the club". It has since been clarified that it was raised by Tumeth's agent, Isaac Moses.
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However, the Tigers released a statement on Tuesday afternoon saying to "the story is simply not true", specifying the players haven't made complaints to the club or RLPA. The club said that was confirmed by the players and RLPA.
Benji Marshall, coach of the Wests Tigers. Getty
The RLPA has since clarified its position in a statement.
"We can confirm that we have had a conversation with the Wests Tigers asking for an explanation on concerns involving some current and recently departed players," RLPA chief executive officer Clint Newton said.
"We will continue to work with the club on these matters and anything else that brought to our attention that requires our involvement.
"As we have stated before, our job is to ensure the employment terms of the players' contract and what was secured in the CBA are complied with and that clubs foster an environment for all players that prioritises a safe workplace."
The original story came a day after it was revealed agent Moses had threatened legal action on behalf of teenage star Lachlan Galvin, claiming workplace bullying.
Tigers coach Benji Marshall and player agent Isaac Moses. Nine
Galvin is at the centre of turmoil at Concord after knocking back a lucrative contract extension offer.
Tigers CEO Shane Richardson claims Moses is running a "smear campaign" against head coach and club legend Benji Marshall, who he reportedly has a long-running personal feud with.
Galvin was dropped to reserve grade last week but Richardson is steadfast in his position that the playmaker will not be released early from his contract, which expires in October 2026.
"It is Benji vs Isaac and the issue there... I think there's going to be a point of no return," Sydney Morning Herald reporter Michael Chammas told Nine's 100% Footy.
"Isaac's not going to stop here because it is clear he wants his client (Galvin) out."
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Moses has previously agitated to get his clients released by the Tigers and it's been revealed he now has another who may want out.
"Matamua at the moment is playing Ron Massey Cup, which is effectively below NSW Cup, and Tumeth is actually playing Sydney Shield, which is even below that," Chammas said.
"To have two of your top-30 players playing so low is unusual, and now these guys have raised concerns with the RLPA as to how they've been treated.
Lachlan Galvin of the Magpies runs out at the start of the NSW Cup game. Getty
"This is separate to the incidents concerning David Klemmer and John Bateman before... I have to point out that Klemmer, Bateman, and Tumeth are all managed by Isaac Moses, and now Galvin.
"Of those complaints a lot of them are coming from Isaac Moses.
"This is something the Tigers now have to deal with in the background of this Galvin situation, are players talking about and having issue with the way the club is running their business.
"People will say these players are whinging because they're not playing first grade, but that's something the RLPA is growingly becoming concerned with, the trend coming out of the Wests Tigers.
"I think (their issue is) with the club in general, the football department, and whether they should be in the mix (for first grade) and not sent down to Sydney Shield."
Canterbury boss Phil Gould on Monday declared the Bulldogs will steer clear of the Galvin pursuit, leaving Parramatta as the frontrunners to land his signature.
Gould would not be drawn on the fiasco and whether it had anything to do with his club's decision.
"It's a funny game, rugby league," Gould told 100% Footy.
"It's getting funnier by the minute."
