- Mark Geyer criticizes young players who want to leave the Tigers early
- He says players need more commitment to clubs when they are losing
- Lachlan Galvin and Stefano Utoikamanu want early releases
Mark Geyer has called out young players who want to leave their clubs after some defeats, following reports that Wests Tigers stars Lachlan Galvin and Stefano Utoikamanu want an early release.
Friday night’s humiliating loss to the Dragons was the ninth straight loss for the Tigers, who now find themselves at the bottom of the ladder and on course for another wooden spoon.
Galvin, 18, reportedly told his teammates that he “can’t wait to get out” of the club and expressed frustration at having to play with a broken hand.
To make matters worse for the Tigers, talented prop Stefano Utoikamanu is also reported to want out of Concord.
Speaking on Triple M’s Mick and MG in the Morning, Geyer hit out at the lack of “intestinal fortitude” of the young players signed to the Tigers.
Lachlan Galvin (pictured) reportedly told his Tigers teammates that he “can’t wait to get out” of the club.
“It seems to be a common trend that players from lower-ranked clubs simply decide to leave when they have lost a series of matches,” Geyer said.
‘No child today seems to have that intestinal fortitude when they’ve been hit three or four times.
“They want to campaign for an immediate release instead of crouching down and biting the mouthguard and saying, ‘let’s get out of this.'”
“They want to go to brighter pastures.”
Geyer then recounted the dark days of his own career when he faced adversity.
“I think my worst game was 11 in a row, we lost when I was in Perth with the Western Reds,” he said.
‘There is no sure solution. It’s just hard work. You have to put the training together and you have to put in the effort.
They are just one win away from getting the season back on track. “Tigers fans, stick with them.”
Talented prop Stefano Utoikamanu is also reported to want out of Wests Tigers
“I’m tired of seeing these young people want a release and go to another club after some defeats.”
NRL great Braith Anasta said it’s not a “great look” for Galvin to tell his teammates he wants out of the club and the youngster should concentrate on his game.
“They gave him an opportunity that other clubs maybe didn’t get because he’s a young kid,” he said on NRL 360.
‘Benji backed him and gave him a chance. He may not be in this position where he has clubs chasing him (without the Tigers).
“He’s a young kid that we should really focus on… although you have to protect the kid as well, it’s not a great look if he gets the chance.”
“Then all of a sudden he says, ‘I don’t want to go out’ after a few losses. You have to stand your ground, you don’t want to be known for hanging around the sheds.