Benny Elias Unloads on the Tigers, the Galvin "Betrayal," and the Board’s Missing Link

In a big episode of Kenty Prime Time, legendary hooker Benny Elias returns to join Paul Kent and Johnny Elias to dissect the mess at the West Tigers, the real reasons behind Lachlan Galvin’s exit, and why the club’s board is failing its fans.

The Galvin Departure: "The Chosen One" Cast Aside 

The conversation centers on the "spiteful" atmosphere surrounding Lachlan Galvin’s move to the Bulldogs. Benny Elias reveals that Galvin was initially the "superstar kid" at the Tigers, nurtured and loved as the future of the club. However, the signing of Jerome Luai shifted the dynamics. Benny suggests that once Luai arrived, Galvin felt his status was "superseded," with the club failing to manage his transition from the "chosen one" to a supporting role. Benny notes that Galvin hasn't said a bad word about the club, which speaks to his class, but argues the Tigers' management of the teenager was "terribly handled."

The "Richo" Factor: Best Spine or PR Spin?

Johnny Elias questions CEO Shane Richardson’s claim that the Tigers have the "best spine in the competition." Benny defends Richardson's right to create confidence for the supporters but admits it was an "exaggerated" statement. Kenty counters that the Tigers have been making short-term decisions for 15 years, coaching for "today" rather than building for "tomorrow." He argues that every coach who enters the club is immediately in "survival mode," leading to the release of elite young talent to keep aging superstars.

The Board Dilemma: A Lack of "Footy Intel"

Benny pulls no punches when discussing the Tigers' board, claiming they lack the "rugby league intellect" required to challenge a coach. He compares the Tigers to the Penrith Panthers, where Greg "Brandy" Alexander provides a vital bridge between the coaching staff and the board. Benny points out that outside of Danny Stapleton, there isn't enough high-level league experience on the Tigers' board to oversee recruitment and development properly. He suggests that if he were chairman, his first move would be to bring back the "history of the players" and involve figures like Michael Cheika to help recruit from outside the traditional markets.

The "Benji" Conundrum: Experience vs. Love 

When Kenty asks the "million-dollar question"—what comes first: the Tigers making the Top 8 or Benji Marshall being sacked?—Benny avoids a direct answer, reflecting his deep love for the club legend. However, Kenty warns that by giving Benji everything he wants in terms of recruitment (like letting Galvin go to keep Koroisau), the board has made it incredibly easy to sack him if results don't improve. Benny maintains that the coach must be held accountable to the board, but insists a "conduit" is currently missing at the club.

Bouncing the Ball: Expansion and International War

The discussion takes a global turn, with Benny suggesting the NRL should invest more in the English and French leagues to preserve international substance. Kenty remains skeptical, stating he’d rather see the NRL focus on a "civil war" to defeat the AFL in Australia rather than chasing an "international war" overseas. He argues that the game’s strength lies in its grassroots, not in international gimmicks.

Pests, Pranksters, and Pretty Boys Benny wraps up with some classic anecdotes from his playing days:

• The Biggest Pest: Martin Bella, whom Benny describes as a "Panadol headache" to play with and against.
• The Funniest: The late Scott Gale, known for his dry, clever humor.
• The Pretty Boy: Tim Brasher, by a country mile. Benny recalls Brasher once pulling a comb out of his side to brush his hair before coming off the bench for his first-grade debut.

Watch the full episode on Fanatics TV.