The Wests Tigers are keen to land Dallin Watene-Zelezniak through a player swap, reports The Sydney Morning Herald.

The 23-year old asked for a release from Penrith after getting dropped from the side, with the Eels, Tigers, Cowboys and Bulldogs all expressing interest in picking him up.

While the Tigers reportedly don't have much salary cap space, exchanging a player would help their case.

It is understood that Russell Packer and Elijah Taylor have both been identified as trade candidates for the Tigers. Both players signed long-term deals while Ivan Cleary was in charge but have since fallen out favour under Michael Maguire.

"The one thing about Madge (Maguire) is he is very honest. He doesn’t beat around the bush," Taylor said in regards to getting dropped earlier this month.

“He has the CV with the premierships. He knows what he is doing and exactly what he wants from his forwards. He was very clear in what I needed to do."

Despite still having 18 months to run on his deal at Penrith, the club revealed during the week that DWZ was on the market.

"Earlier this week, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak’s management sought permission from Panthers to speak with other NRL clubs regarding Dallin’s immediate and future playing career," the club said in a statement on Wednesday.

"This permission was granted following discussions by the club’s retention and recruitment committee.

"Out of respect for all parties, the club will be making no further comment at this time."

It is understood that even if the Tigers aren't able to strike a deal for DWZ before June 30, Maguire will still pick him in the Kiwis' Test against Tonga on June 22 in Auckland.

Should the Tigers acquire DWZ, it is believed that Maguire wants to use him in the centres.

The Eels are seen as the Tigers biggest competitors for the New Zealand international's services, who are are also keen to play him in the centres.

4 COMMENTS

  2. I thought the tigers had sorted out their recruitment management at last. This is madness. the tigers play much better when Packer and Matulino are on the field at the same time. The go forward was really good. Taylor is the best defender they have. Why swap forwards for a back or are they thinking of dropping Mbye who is not at his best form at the moment and using Watene-Zelezniak who is also not in good form. Whoever is managing recruitment at the tigers is starting to fall into the same hole as the last one. Getting rid of players with form and getting in those who are out of form or carry ongoing injuries. they should have just kept Watene-Zelezniak’s brother and avoided the confusion. Will they never learn.

  3. Doesn’t DWZ want to play fullback?
    His biggest disappointment & reason for putting in little to no effort at centre, is that he thinks he can demand the fullback position.
    I don’t see how moving to Wests to play centre helps solve this problem?
    Penrith shouldn’t let him go anywhere. Unless they can make a deal to get a couple of the best up & coming players from Wests . Or from whichever club he goes to.

  4. Oh yes. Forgot to say that it should have to be a package deal.
    The club who buys DWZ should have to buy his brother MWZ as well.

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