The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) has launched an investigation into the Wests Tigers' handling of young forwards Justin Matamua and Stefano Tumeth. Both players, who previously played together in the NSW under-19 side, have been demoted to lower-tier competitions, raising concerns about their treatment.
Matamua, managed by George Ghazal, has been relegated to the Ron Massey Cup, while Tumeth, a former NSW under-16 player of the year, is now playing in the Sydney Shield. The RLPA's investigation will include a 'please explain' request to the club regarding these demotions.
The RLPA has been involved in discussions with the Tigers this season concerning several players, including Jacob Miller, Solomona Faataape, and notable departures John Bateman and David Klemmer. The unusual circumstance of having multiple top-30 players in lower-tier competitions has further fueled the investigation.
The situation also involves Lachlan Galvin, whose contract was mentioned in the article's title. His manager, Isaac Moses, also represents both Tumeth and several other players who have had recent dealings with the Wests Tigers.
The Wests Tigers and the RLPA have both declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.
On the day that Galvin ran out for Western Suburbs in NSW Cup, it emerged the RLPA has launched an investigation into the Tigers’ treatment of young forwards Matamua and Tumeth – who played together in the NSW under-19 side in 2022.
Matamua, managed by George Ghazal, made his debut for the Tigers as an 18-year-old in 2022, but has been playing for Ryde-Eastwood Hawks in Ron Massey Cup (the tier below reserve grade).
Tumeth, once named the NSW under-16 player of the year, has experienced an even steeper decline, dropped to a grade below Matamua (Sydney Shield) for Ryde-Eastwood. Tumeth is managed by Isaac Moses, who also represents Galvin.
Moses also represents John Bateman and David Klemmer, who both recently left the Tigers.
Sources with knowledge of the situation talking on the condition of anonymity due to confidentiality told the Herald the RLPA is set to ask the Tigers for a ‘please explain’ in the coming days.
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The RLPA and Wests Tigers declined to comment.
It is unusual for any club to have two top 30 players in the third- or fourth-tier competitions.
The RLPA has been in regular discussions with the Tigers this season via their involvement in matters relating to Klemmer, Bateman, Jacob Miller, Solomona Faataape, Galvin, Tumeth and Matamua.
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