LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler have criticized the treatment of Benji Marshall and the Lachlan Galvin situation by Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva on social media.
Galvin, a talented young player, turned down a lucrative deal with the Wests Tigers, causing uproar in the NRL world.
Marshall, a veteran player, was left out of the team for the game against the Parramatta Eels, which sparked controversy.
Luai's social media post with the caption 'Team first' was seen as a dig at Galvin, while Turuva's post with a suggestive music track about money received backlash for going too far.
Johns expressed his disappointment, calling the social media treatment 'hypocritical' and suggesting that Luai and Turuva may regret their posts.
Fittler also criticized the situation, stating that it reflects poorly on the club.
He implied that such behavior would not be seen at more established clubs like Melbourne Storm.
Luai later clarified that his post was intended to defend his coach and the team's approach, but the backlash had already taken hold.
The whole incident has shed light on the ugly side of social media in professional sports, with players' actions coming under scrutiny from pundits and fans alike.
Johns and Fittler's comments highlight the need for players to be mindful of their social media presence and the potential impact it can have on team dynamics and public perception.
There is a sense of disappointment at the conduct of Luai and Turuva in particular, as they are seen as role models who should be setting a positive example for younger players.
The drama surrounding Galvin's decision and the subsequent fallout serves as a cautionary tale for players about the power and pitfalls of social media in the modern age of sports.