Searching for a new club
Pressure is building on Wests Tigers officials to explain their latest shake-up to sponsors and members, who will be asking fresh questions after centre Blake Ayshford was this week given permission to join the Concord exodus.
The club is enduring one of its most difficult weeks on record following the sudden departure of popular pair Chris Heighington and Beau Ryan, on top of ongoing uncertainty over the future of coach Tim Sheens.
The Daily Telegraph can also reveal Ayshford has begun searching for a new home in 2013 after being told to look elsewhere, with the South Sydney Rabbitohs mentioned as a possible suitor.
The Rabbitohs have decided to release Fetuli Talanoa and have also sounded out Canberra Raiders winger Sandor Earl.
Read more at the Daily Telegraph
Being a Rabbitohs fan, I would love Ayshford playing for us, he’s a dynamic player with great ball skills. I just don’t know where he’ll fit in? Seeing as though we already have King and Farrel in the centres and Everingham and Merrit on the wings. Unless they move Sutton to the Forwards, and Ayshford to five-eights, I can’t see him getting a run.
King will not resign next season. As a souths fan I reckon Kingy has been pretty useless this season.
Oh dear. The Tigers are certainly a club in crisis.
Talanoa is a good release. I never saw why he got a run in first grade. Canberra would be mad to let Earl go, he’s been a revelation since he landed with the Green Machine.
I think the tigers must’ve either made a MASSIVE signing they’ve kept under wraps, and are now clearing out top/mid tear contracts to get room under the cap… Or… They’ve just been busted for already being over the cap. I can’t see any other reason for the mass culling of pretty reasonable players!
I dont rate Ayshford. I think his actually a very bad player with not alot going for him. Him and Lawrence just cant cut it in the nrl anymore. Sheens should have released Lawrence on his massive contract. Its obvious his on over 500k because his stop playinghard in games now.
Dragons could use him in the centers but surely no one would pay him more than 150k LOL
Maybe tigers will play younger guys all next year than buy Thurston. Benji and Thurston combo with Farrah????
That’s what I’d considered. But having a look at the Tigers signings for 2013 – there’s already a few there, plus a lot of re-signings… No one who’d command big money, but a lot of numbers nonetheless.
His on 300 k.
Maybe SBW is going to the Tigers. Not the Roosters. Either that or the bloke running the books is an absolute goat.
Tigers should buy thurston an get rid of Blair he is getting 550K for nothing buy aiden sezer or maurice blair just for this year while we wait for thurston…. And sonny bill hasn’t signed with the roosters yet and the first team to talk to sonny bill was actually the tigers and there were rumors of him talking to him recently… Tigers will get quadrennial cooper or Sanford earl since they both looking for NRL club
Tigers should buy thurston an get rid of Blair he is getting 550K for nothing buy aiden sezer or maurice blair just for this year while we wait for thurston…. And sonny bill hasn’t signed with the roosters yet and the first team to talk to sonny bill was actually the tigers and there were rumors of him talking to him recently… Tigers will get quadel cooper or Sanford earl since they both looking for NRL club
@Andrew
$onny Bill did officially sign with the Roosters, well according to Zero tackle, anyway.
He can’t have yet, otherwise his Japanese rugby contract will be included under the NRL salary cap… So nothing is set in stone yet… And with $BW’s history it doesn’t mean jack when he does sign something anyway…
Wow what’s up Tigers? Ryan, Heighington, Ayshford etc leaving. Utai, Tuquiri etc staying. Fair enough having a good clean out but shouldn’t it be the other way around.
The only reason Lote and Matt got contracts is they are only for one year. Ryan, Heigho wanted three years but apparently the Tigers wouldn’t commit to this. Sharks will go well next year, but how can they afford all these new signings – on top of the massive new contarcts for Gallen and Luke Lewis ?? Schubert should check their books.
@pebblesfarr hey bro the sharks haven’t bought any players for ages and we have a plethora of players leaving next year plus jeremy smith leaving to the knights def enough room under the cap.
we suffered so much with a second rate roster now we can finally bought quality and people wanna start talking its cool remember no one said anything about manly look at the quality they have.
Heard it here first… Benji to swap with Pearce. Benji along side Sonny Bill next year
I want some of what you are on!
Call your boy… Toddy C
1.Tedesco 2.Tiqiri 3.Moltzen 4.Lawrence 5.Koroibite 6.Sironen 7.Marshall 8.Woods 9.Farah 10. Galloway 11.Pettybourne 12.Fulton 13.Anasta
Seriously, is this such a terrible starting line up that they can now rebuild around?? Thanks for Beau Ryan at the Sharks however.
Yep. Has Moltzen.
Blake or sandor would be great buys for the rabbitohs! Both players can play numerous positions and both great form
South Sydney Rabbitohs
1. Greg Inglis (2013)
2. Nathan Merritt (2014)
3. Matt King (2013)
4. Dylan Farrell (2013)
5. Andrew Everingham (2013)
6. John Sutton (2014)
7. Adam Reynolds (2015)
8. Sam Burgess (2016)
9. Issac Luke (2015)
10. Roy Asatasi (2013)
11. Chris McQueen (2013)
12. Ben Te’o (2015)
13. Michael Crocker (off contract)
14. Jason Clark (2014)
15. Luke Burgess (2013)
16. Jeff Lima (2014)
17. Ben Lowe (2014)
18. David Tyrell (2013)
19. Tom Burgess (2013)
20. George Burgess (2014)
21. Nathan Peats (2013)
22. Justin Hunt (2014)
23. Josh Starling (2013)
24. Neccrom Areaiiti (off contract)
25. Mitchell Buckett (2014)
26. Shaun Corrigan (off contract)
27. Ryan Carr (off contract)
28. Blake Judd (off contract)
@cruise
What is the point of listing the whole lineup and not including blake or sandor in it?
Pity about Blakey. Not a great season, especially in comparison to 2010/11, but that goes for a few of the boys as well. Thurston to leave Cowboys for Wests? Could’ve believed it before the cleanout… But given the Cowbs strong season and roster, bit of a long-shot now.
Plus he’s not old enough yet.
I reckon the Tigers should get rid of Blair,he has done nothing special and he is way over rated.
Whats with the Tigers getting rid of there good players???
If Thurston signed with the Cowboys what a combo he and Marshall will be and Anasta could play lock
I think you mean Tigers. It won’t work because Benji and Thurston both want to be the stars.
I am hearing to Blake to Roosters
surley the dragons must have enough money in the cap to try and sign this bloke with young,hornby and scott leaving mark gasnier signing a huge 5 year deal and retiring after 1 they couldnt be any where near the cap surley this bloke will be needed when cooper misses his standard 10-15 games a year we had nathan green filling in a player who is honestly 4 or 5 years away from been a first grader
PULL YOUR HEAD OUT DOUST
so ayshford is the next one to leave the sinking ship known as the wests tigers. the first 2 that the board should have got rid of is the ceo stephen humphreys and the most overrated coach of all time tim sheens who has only made the finals 3 times in the last 15 years. lmao@tigers
Tiger Jungle
Where are you?
There’s always Shannon Hegarty, one man who can turn the poor club’s fortunes around. He still plays in the USA, wouldn’t surprise me if Tim sounded him out to come and play.
Other than that, THE JUNIOR TALENT CANNOT BE IGNORED.
I’ll say it again, THE JUNIOR TALENT CANNOT BE IGNORED.
2009 Wests Tigers couldn’t even get up 25 men to play, then released one (Fulton) and lost one for the year (Lazarus) before picking one out of retirement (Skandalis). The side came 9th, u20s made a grand final and 3 players from that NYC side became regular first graders. Sadly, due to unfortunate circumstances, only one still stands in the side today. The result, two very strong years followed by one of mediocrity forcing rebuild.
History may indeed repeat itself, even with the sometimes maniacal decisions Teflon Tim may make. I predict the club will finish top four or bottom four next season.
for all these so called “dragon fans” wanting this ayshford gimp at our club
go support another club u bunch of lunatics
the guy is a dud if the tigers dont want him certainly he must be that bad’
the tigers r shit and so is ayshford
yeah good call your right matt cooper’s has a good 5 or more years left in him and nathan green has first grade centre written all over him.yeah we really couldnt do with some speed out wide our attack was so good this year wasnt it.
YOU MUPPET!
for you to say this guy is a dud just shows what a moron you must be.go and get your eyes checked and watch the game a bit closer the clubs will be lining up to sign this bloke
YOU DIPSTICK.WAKE UP TO YOURSELF!
If the tigers are shit then the dragons must be just as shit. They finished with the same points this year
If it takes to time to settle in a new team’s gameplay if you left the storm then it will take time to adjust to the tigers.
Ayshford is not that bad Jono Dragons but definitely the Dragons should spend their money on a good half & lock/secondrower – not Ayshford.
TALK ABOUT CLUB IN CRISIS.. LOST GIBBS, FIFITA, HEIGHINGTON, ‘ BEAU KNOW’S JACK” AND NOW AYSHFORD BUT ARE KEEPING UTI AND LOTE, GOD AND I THOUGHT SAINTS WERE BAD..
Soward to sign for 2 more years at the dragons. Only problem he,s only a nsw cup player
You forgot Tom humble and Mitch brown agro!
He’d go good at the warriors still have 800k Remington for next years cap
)
He’d go good at the warriors still have 800k Remaining for next years cap
)
Wow! I thought the panthers were having problems.
But about time the tigers had a change they are always
The team who are Going to do this and do that but
NEVER do.
Really? I’m sorry you feel that way, man. The only years I can remember that were truly watersheds for the Tigers were 2004 and 2009, the first had a massive signing spree and the second a lot of exodus. It seems as though 2012 will be one of those years.
Penrith seemed to have one in 2001 where they’d come last, but got a new coach, a bunch of good up-and-comers and developed their own well. In 2003-2004 all these guys had a premiership ring and half had international jumpers. Penrith have had some lean, lean times since then, got into the finals in 2010 with the additions of Civoniceva and Walsh, development of Grant, Coote and McKendry. Now in 2012 Gus has come in to arrest some mediocrity, bought a new coach and some well-established and up-and-coming players. Next year’s likely sink or swim for you guys, but if they persevere there’s likely a premiership around the corner.
Wests Tigers had their fairytale victory in 2005, fairytale but well-deserved. Prince left, no halfback, Benji often injured. Enter 2009, discovery of Lui, Dwyer, Woods and Fifita – result of 2 straight years of finals footy. Losses of good players through poor management, poor decisions and bad luck and now a “club in crisis”. More than meets the eye at any club.
I don’t think either club has claimed to be doing and not delivering. Instead I think the media cultivates a lot of the stories for public entertainment.
No problems out Panthers way….the players they have signed will make the Panthers a genuine top 8 threat next season
They could fail to fire, get injured throughout the ranks or be a genuine threat. Anything can happen in the NRL.
The Panthers WERE in trouble! But I like the fact that in spite of it all, they showed some Westie ticker and notched a couple of wins at the back end. Just hope the Tigs can show the same resilience coz I very much doubt Parra will be the same sh*t-kickers again next year.
Hey Dr Dragon the Dragon’s aren’t spending their money on anyone at the moment although i have heard that there will be some announcements real soon.
Bloody hope so lol (about the announcements real soon).
Cmonthedragons, As I have previously said before saints would get Jennings though Dweidler reckons that it has fallen through because his manager Isaac Moses didn’t like the fact he would have to relocate..! Previous to reading this was told to expect a major announcement from saints, I’m still waiting though hoping we can still get him..!
Hey Panthers Girl maybe Tiger Jungle has gone bush. He only speaks (types) dribble anyway so not missed by me
Hey Super Sharks have all your great 1st grade players like Crab i mean Carney, Thugallen etc etc won a comp?????? Nup. Jamie Soward has though you tosser. Keep buying you comp DH
Yes that’s ok we are still one club where u had to merge 60%steelers 40% drag queens you sausage jockey
Hey super shark you fudge packer 44 years and still sweet FA. Stick to the facts knob jockey
your welcome to come in to the starting souths lineup
as a tigers fan i know the next 4 years are going to crap what happened in 2006 to 2009 we were shit we then hit good from in 2010 then 2011 then we hit the wall again i can see happen and in my team i didn’t put in blair because he is the worst second rower in the world and he is a drop kick i hope it looks like this
my team for next year would look like this
1)tedesco
2)tiqiri
3)utai
4)lawrence
5)john grant
6)marshall
7)moltzen
8)woods
9)farah
10)galloway
11)Anasta
12)buchanan
13)fulton
Reserves
14)pettybourne
15) murdoch massila
16)bell
17)iosefa
Brandon John Grant can’t make reserve grade come out to Leichhardt Sunday he won’t be on the bench. Do you fellow the Tigers or what. You goose.
The team will be:
1. Moltzen
2. Utai
3. Reddy
4. Lawrence
5. Koroibete
6. Anasta
7. Marshall
8. Wood
9. Farah
10. Galloway
11. Blair
12. Peddybourne
13. Fulton
14. Murdoch Masala
15. Sironen
16. Losefa
17. Thompson
Though I believe Reddy should be fullback (he is safe under the high ball), Moltzen half back (where he should have been all year), Marshall 5/8 (again, where he should have been all year), Anasta at Lock.
Not sure what’s happening with Humble, still not signed? we need to offload Tiqiri, too old and too slow!! Only thing I can see is he may be bringing in sponsorship money?
Speaking as an nrl fan I would say the tigers r the worst and most overrated team in the last 10 yrs they have a talented roster but sacking their juniors and good players and keeping sheens goes to show what retards their management are I mean they resigned tuquire and sacked beau and heighington they are deed set favorites for wooden spooners next year plus sheens is a shit house coach the only reason he’s keeping his kangaroos role is cause he gets to work with superstars such as thurston Inglis ect I truly feel sorry for the few fans remaining who show faith in the tigers
Brandon John Grant can’t make reserve grade come out to Leichhardt Sunday he won’t be on the bench. Do you fellow the Tigers or what.
Love the Tigers top 4 Harold Matt’s won SG Ball top 4 U/20s top 4 reserve grade. Pity Beau Highno and his mates were too busy catching up and developing their friendships to make a few tackles and save a few tries. But all not lost Manly are gone for 2012.
Love the Tigers top 4 Harold Matt’s, won SG Ball, top 4 U/20s, top 4 reserve grade. Pity Beau, Highno and his mates were too busy catching up and developing their friendships to make a few tackles and save a few tries.
And the most satisfying side is that schmoltzens contract hasn’t been signed off due to cap pressure love it if they punted him as well and no club would touch him after the dragons fiasco!
“It’s not always about winning and losing, and for me our culture was always about the people we had in the club and they’re two of the greatest and two of my best mates. The fashion they’ve left doesn’t suit the club we are and that’s the most disappointing thing for me in my heart anyway.” ~ Benji Marshall.
Discuss quote as you will
They are professional footballers and not there to develop their friendships they finished 10.
Sack sheens sack humpheries resigning an ageing tiquri & Utai & let Ryan,heighinton & ayshford & are clearing the decks for an ageing Brent kite WTF & still sheens survives the ax this club is imploding just like parra have been since 86 anyway go the bulldogs they will feast on rabbit stew then smash Melbourne or manly again & claim the title as champions of 2012
That’s what happens when the board think of players as numbers I think they totally underestimated how much beau and Chris meant to the club
Another one headed to Cronulla undoubtedly. Just as a question though, did the league give the Sharks “double salary cap” next year? Maybe they want them desperately to win a title that they are allowing them tro sign whoever they want. They have released no-one (a couple fringe retirees), and the only ones left not on contract are second tier players…..so what in the hell is there cap for next season??
Oh Gene , why is it when a club goes on a spending spree everyone assumes they have double the cap .Jeremy Smith ,John Williams ,Colin Best, Isaac Gordon & Jon Green all gone ,There has been a salary cap increase plus the sharks for the last 5 years havent spent the whole cap.The Cronulla Sharks now have the game to bring it to the BIG GUNS ,surely this has to be great for OUR game .
Um, you do realise that you can’t spend money from last years unspent cap, don’t you? It’s not a bank where you save up funds to use in future years. By the way, Tigers hadn’t spent their full cap allotment for 10+ years
I am glad that people find my opinion worthwhile, otherwise why would they go to the trouble of using my user name?
Panthers suck
@sharks 2013. bro relax with the bs about other clubs. just be stoked that we have a kick ass team for next year
it just starts people talking crap instead of voicing opinions but i do agree with you that the tigers have to be favourites to get the spoon and about the panthers suck comment bro remember where we got half of our players from.
Bingo, so the Panthers must be doing something right.
Tigers to get the spoon 2013
Tigers to get the spoon in 2013
Will the Tigers sign a decent forward?!?
Get rid of Blair…if anyone else is stupid enough to take him. He is the most lazy log I have ever seen.
That willl free up $500k to buy a couple of real hardworking forwards.
Totally agree, dud of the decade.
No offense to Tiger’s fans but what the hell are you doing? Throwing away your big stars to apparently lure Jennings, what a waste! Beau will go off to the shire and make a big thing about it to Bryce.
Awesome news, Blake Ayshford was hopeless. Couldn’t tackle, was constantly shown up and out of position defensively, had no spark in attack either, just a useless player making up the numbers.