Isaiah Papali’i, the Star second-rower, received permission to explore other club options for the 2025 season and was swiftly signed by the Panthers.
Meanwhile, CEO Shane Richardson reportedly traveled to England to discuss the availability of several of his players.
Despite sounding unusual, I’m genuinely enthusiastic about what I’m hearing from the Tigers right now.
There were talks that Papali’i might have requested the opportunity to consider other options for next season. If true, the Tigers have made the right decision in allowing him to depart.
Will this decision improve results in 2025? Probably not. He’s arguably one of the top three players for the club, and his absence will surely be felt.
However, the Wests Tigers are currently in a complete rebuilding phase, and establishing a strong culture is more crucial.
A culture that attracts players to the club.
A culture where players are recruited based on necessity and value, not just availability.
Ultimately, a winning culture!
Despite some negativity on social media, Marshall and his team have acknowledged the need for change and are embracing short-term setbacks for long-term gains.
Regarding Shane Richardson’s trip to England, reports suggest he is offering several players to Super League clubs.
I don’t know exactly who is on this reported list, but it’s likely there are some overpaid and underperforming players in need of new opportunities.
Despite some media outlets prematurely writing off Benji Marshall’s coaching career, I’m impressed by what I’ve seen from the rookie coach so far.
Yes, the results haven’t been great and it looks like finals are out of reach for 2024, but expecting a complete turnaround in just one off-season is unrealistic.
We’ve seen the emergence of Lachlan Galvin, better-than-expected performances from Aidan Sezer, and, most importantly, the signing of Jarome Luai.
Even more importantly, Marshall seems to have instilled a “club-first” mentality that has been lacking at the Tigers for many years.
Rumors of players complaining about excessive training under Michael Maguire, the premiership-winning coach and current NSW Blues coach.
Players using the Tigers as a showcase before demanding releases, as was the case with Ryan Matterson.
The targeting of former big-name players on substantial contracts only to see them underperform. I won’t mention names, but there are four or five in the current “strongest 17.”
Apisai Koroisau and Jarome Luai are exceptions, but most recent Tigers signings have been made because players had few other options.
I don’t want to kick the Tigers while they’re down, but it’s the truth!
Again, I won’t name those players, but we all know who they are.
By demonstrating to players and fans that the club won’t cater to player or agent demands and is willing to move on from stars who want to leave, they’re showing confidence.
Confidence that they can once again become a desirable club.
Confidence that they can once again be a team that competes in the finals.
How many times have we seen big-name players sign with Melbourne, Penrith, or the Roosters for less money? Players are willing to take pay cuts to play for contenders.
Meanwhile, the Tigers currently have to pay above-market rates to attract top-tier talent.
I’m hopeful that the Luai and Api connection can kickstart a recruitment drive similar to what the Bulldogs enjoyed. A few years ago, the Bulldogs were picking up scraps; now they’re signing players like Matt Burton, Viliame Kikau, and Stephen Crichton.
However, those recruits will only arrive if the Tigers can show they’re serious.
Letting a supposed want-away star go demonstrates that they might be.
Flying your CEO to England to offer players you’ve deemed surplus to requirements also shows they’re getting serious.
There are currently four or five Tigers players who could go to England and shine, or at least extend their careers for a few more seasons.
However, the Tigers no longer view them as up to elite NRL standards.
Replacing Papali’i will be challenging, but you can’t convince me he’s the difference between the Tigers making the finals or not.
If we were talking about prime Cooper Cronk, of course the Tigers wouldn’t let him go. But in Papali’i’s case, so be it.
The player market for 2025 isn’t exactly bustling right now, but three days ago, we didn’t even know Papali’i would be moving.
With players and agents pushing for moves almost weekly, the Tigers can now sit on a pile of salary cap space and make intelligent decisions based on their needs.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a Tigers fan who would prefer to support a team without Papali’i rather than one with him.
That said, there isn’t a Tigers fan who, after enduring over a decade of hardship, wouldn’t accept another tough year or two if it meant a change for the club in the long run.
Benji and the others have taken steps to ensure that this happens.
Maybe it won’t happen. At least they’re no longer doing what hasn’t worked for ten years.
