NRL CEO Andrew Abdo has vowed to come down hard on any club who breaches anti-tampering rules as the circus surrounding Lachlan Galvin rolls on at Wests Tigers.
Galvin trained alongside teammates on Wednesday wearing a limited-contact vest, with the 18-year-old to miss Saturday's clash against Gold Coast to manage a hand injury.
Tigers teammates also spoke for the first time since news of his request for a release emerged, with hooker Tallyn da Silva adamant his childhood friend did not want out.
Contracted until the end of 2026, Galvin's management are understood to have requested an exit from his deal after making similar moves during the pre-season.
The Tigers, who have lost nine on the trot since beating Parramatta in round four, have made clear they will stand firm on the contract and could instead table an extension that may placate the situation.
Tigers CEO Shane Richardson has also warned he will take any club who tries to lure Galvin out to the NRL, with rivals not able to speak to the No.6 until next November.
Abdo also confirmed on Wednesday they were ready to investigate any such claims, and that the league were ready to enforce its anti-tampering rules.
"The rules are there for a reason. It's important to protect the integrity of the game," Abdo said at the Beanie for Brain Cancer launch.
"It's important for all stakeholders, not just the players but the clubs themselves and the fans. We take this very seriously.
"The new CBA has a number of new provisions in it. The clubs, players and the agents are all aware of what the rules are.
"And if they break the rules, there will be serious consequences."
Speaking hypothetically given no complaints have been made around Galvin, Abdo said the NRL had a number of punishments at their disposal.
"It depends on the circumstances, the case and the individuals involved," Abdo said.
"There are a wide range of penalties, not just financial penalties, that we can apply."
Abdo's comments came as Da Silva claimed that he believed his fellow Wests Magpies junior wanted to remain at the Tigers long-term.
"I don't think he's keen on leaving anyway," Da Silva said.
"It is his business. And I'm not not trying to get too involved in that ... We'd obviously love to have him stay at the club.
"I've always said to him I'm here if you need a chat. But we haven't spoken about his his choices or decisions.
"But I think it is very important we stay together. Especially looking back at the Harold Matts comp (we won in 2022)."
Da Silva will play his first NRL game this year against the Titans at No.9, with Api Koroisau shifted to the halves to cover for Galvin.
Fellow south-west junior Jordan Miller is likely to debut off the bench at Leichhardt Oval, after Alex Twal left Tigers training early on Wednesday. He had been carrying a foot injury.
Aidan Sezer will play in the halves alongside Koroisau, and confirmed on Wednesday he was unsure on his future given his contract for next year must be mutually activated by both himself and the club.
Brent Naden and Jayden Sullivan could also exit at year's end, with English media reporting possible deals with Catalans and Salford respectively.
Outside back Asu Kepaoa was released from the final months of his deal on Wednesday, to join Penrith.
