West’s Tigers rocked when Josh Aloiai requested the immediate release of Manly Sea Eagles

Fed-up West Tigers officials privately believe the 25-year-old is taking a sheet of Ryan Matterson’s book and is campaigning for an early release because of a large cash offer from the Manly Sea Eagles.

“I find it very confusing that the player just sat across from me four weeks ago and expressed his love for the club and his commitment,” said Lee Hagipantelis, chairman of Wests Tigers The Herald.

Gone are the days when players or others thought they could use the Wests Tigers as a stepping stone

Lee Hagipantelis, Chairman of Wests Tigers

“Now we have a situation where some form of release has been sought to get a contract somewhere else for obviously more money. It’s strange how this seems to raise welfare concerns.”

Aloiai’s manager also looks after Addin Fonua-Blake, who was fired by Manly to strike one of the most lucrative props deals in the history of sport with the Warriors.

Sources within the game were shocked that Manly was ready to release Fonua-Blake, the best in-game prop chosen by players in a game Sydney Morning Herald Survey at the beginning of the year for personal reasons without replacement. However, recent events with Aloiai could explain why.

“I understand he agreed to go with Manly for 2022 and 2023 but that depends on a 2021 release,” said Hagipantelis of the New Zealander who has made 90 appearances for the club since his debut in 2016.

“I think he has a deal with the Wests Tigers that he will fulfill in 2021 unless I can take advantage of a commercial advantage for the club. The days of the players or others who think they could use the Wests Tigers as a stepping stone use.” About.”

The Tigers are still swaying after missing out on Josh Addo-Carr’s services last week after his manager Mario Tartak managed to take advantage of the club’s four-year deal to get an upgrade out of the storm, despite the winger on compassionate reasons had requested a release to be closer to the family.

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It’s likely that the recent antics of Aloiai and his manager will make his position at the club untenable, but the Tigers will follow Melbourne’s stance on Addo-Carr and refuse to release him until they get an outcome they are happy with .

The Tigers have no shortage of their first rowers. Young eel prop Stefano Utoikamanu and Penrith captain James Tamou will join the team when they return to pre-season training.