Wests Tigers Look to Offload Key Players as Struggles Continue in NRL
The Wests Tigers have endured a difficult few seasons in the NRL, with the club currently languishing in 14th place after just two wins from their opening 10 games of the 2023 campaign. Finishing bottom of the league table last year, the Tigers spent big in the off-season, bringing in several new players in a bid to turn their fortunes around.
Alongside the high-profile appointment of former New Zealand legend Benji Marshall as head coach, the Tigers also brought in ex-South Sydney Rabbitohs director Shane Richardson as Chief Executive. However, with little improvement on the pitch, Richardson now appears set to swing the axe, with the club reportedly looking to offload a number of underperforming players.
Players on the Move
According to reports, Richardson has traveled to England in an attempt to broker deals to move out several Tigers stars, with England international John Bateman topping the list. The versatile back-rower is reportedly set to be released from the final two years of his contract, as the Tigers look to free up space on their salary cap.
Halfback Jayden Sullivan, who joined the club in the off-season, is also said to be available, with the $600,000-per-year playmaker facing an uncertain future following the arrival of star player Jarome Luai. Brent Naden, a talented utility back who has also represented the Penrith Panthers and Canterbury Bulldogs, is another Tiger deemed surplus to requirements.
The most high-profile player potentially on the move, however, is back-rower Isiah Papali’i. The former Dally M Back Rower of the Year winner joined the Tigers in 2023 on a lucrative $650,000-per-season contract, but has been unable to help the club improve their fortunes. With the Tigers keen to offload his salary, Papali’i may soon make the switch to another NRL club, though a move to Super League is thought to be less likely.
“These developments at the Wests Tigers are sure to spark a scramble among Super League clubs, as they look to take advantage of the NRL side’s struggles and bolster their squads with some proven NRL talent.”
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