First footy's biggest teen sensation quit on his club, then he hired a top lawyer over bullying allegations - and now the team has replied with a shock move that has left fans FURIOUS

In a stunning twist to one of the NRL's most explosive sagas, 19-year-old Lachlan Galvin has been recalled to the Wests Tigers' NRL side just a week after he was axed, subjected to a media frenzy, and made startling allegations against his own club.

The teenage playmaker, widely considered one of the brightest young talents in the game, will line up for the Tigers in their Round 8 clash against Cronulla at Leichhardt Oval this Sunday.

The bombshell decision, confirmed following crisis meetings on Tuesday morning, comes amid growing backlash from fans, rising pressure from player welfare bodies, and ongoing internal division at the embattled club.

Galvin had been banished to the NSW Cup after rejecting a massive $6million contract extension and informing the club he would depart when his contract expires at the end of the 2026 season. He cited concerns over his development under coach Benji Marshall.

Soon afterwards, his management served the club with a legal letter alleging he had been bullied and placed in an unsafe work environment. The move set off a firestorm across the rugby league world.

Adding fuel to the fire were social media posts from teammates Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva, which fans widely interpreted as veiled digs at Galvin. This created the impression of a fractured locker room and a divided club culture.

In the days that followed, Tigers supporters flooded social media, venting frustration and disbelief at the situation.

'This has become a real circus. Surely the NRL can see they need to step in and fix this,' one fan posted.

Another warned: 'The hill at Leichhardt will be very unforgiving.'

Some were appalled at how Galvin, barely out of his teens, was being treated.

'The level of scrutiny on this 'kid' is ridiculous and some of the language and threats from so-called adults is disgusting.'

Yet not all fans were outraged. Some saw the recall as a necessary step forward.

'Good - he shouldn't have been dropped in the first place,' wrote one.

'Common sense has prevailed. Maybe this is a lesson for both parties,' said another.

One passionate supporter summed it up bluntly: 'We need him for the rest of the season if we want to make the top 8.'

Wests Tigers declined to comment publicly after the legal threat was issued, while Galvin's management, led by Isaac Moses, also remained tight-lipped.

Coach Benji Marshall, who has denied any bullying, previously stated that his decision to demote Galvin was in the best interest of the team.

'I said to Lachie to go back to reserve grade and play his best footy and earn some trust and respect back,' Marshall said.

But with the Tigers struggling to find consistency and fresh reports that Parramatta have officially entered the race for Galvin's services, the club's shock recall has left many questioning whether the decision was about football or damage control.

'Standing him down just looks incredibly weak now,' wrote one NRL fan. 'They cost themselves a game for nothing.'

'Wow. What a dumb club. Obviously worried about the bullying allegations,' added another.

'How can he possibly play alongside players who openly mocked him publicly?'

That sentiment was echoed by former Tigers forward and Premiership-winner Bryce Gibbs, who took to X with a stinging critique of the teenager's legal move.

'No player in the comp is going to want to play with him now,' Gibbs posted. 'How embarrassing from the management team.'

In the background, more cracks are forming.

The Rugby League Players Association is now investigating the Tigers over the alleged mistreatment of not just Galvin but also top-30 players Justin Matamua and Brandon Tumeth, both of whom have been relegated to third—and fourth-tier competitions.

The RLPA is reportedly demanding answers, and sources confirm regular discussions involving multiple players, including former Tigers John Bateman, David Klemmer, and Jacob Miller.

Meanwhile, Parramatta coach Jason Ryles confirmed interest in Galvin, who once played in the club's junior system.

'Lachie Galvin's an exceptional talent,' Ryles said. 'At the end of the day, it's about what's best for Lachlan and his family. Hopefully, we'll be one of the clubs he considers.'

Canterbury, once a frontrunner for Galvin, has since ruled itself out.

Bulldogs boss Phil Gould confirmed: 'We are not involved in the Lachlan Galvin discussion and we won't be involved in the Lachlan Galvin discussion. We wish him all the best.'