LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva are facing off-field ramifications as Parramatta makes a decision on signing Lachie Galvin, whose management company has served a legal letter to the Wests Tigers claiming the teenager has been bullied.
Galvin opted not to accept a new deal with the Tigers and will test the open market instead.
He has been dropped to NSW Cup by coach Benji Marshall, with Adam Doueihi set to partner Luai in the halves against Parramatta.
Marshall has stated that Galvin can work his way back into the first-grade team, but the legal action taken by Galvin's management could complicate matters.
The social media posts made by Luai and Turuva after Galvin's decision have raised concerns.
Luai posted an image with the caption "Team First", while Turuva uploaded a photo of Galvin's locker with a song referencing money in the background.
The Tigers declined to comment on the situation, and Isaac Moses, the director of Galvin's management firm Cove Agency, has also been approached for comment.
Marshall has denied allegations of bullying, emphasizing the team's focus on the mental wellbeing of players.
He stated, "We don't stand for bullying ...
We're not bullies, the players are not bullies."
It is uncertain what ramifications the legal action may have for the Tigers or the players involved in the social media posts.
While it is possible that sanctions could be imposed, the extent of the consequences is unclear.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the situation, Marshall has expressed his support for Galvin and his family, acknowledging the challenges they are facing.
He indicated that while Turuva's post was inappropriate, he does not believe that punitive measures are necessary.