Wests Tigers recently took a controversial step by allowing promising hooker Tallyn Da Silva to exit his contract prematurely, a decision that has drawn criticism from fans and legends alike. The joint venture club, which boasts a luxurious $78 million headquarters in Concord, faces ongoing struggles, and this latest move has many shaking their heads in disbelief.
Benny Elias, a revered former Balmain hooker, expressed his disappointment, labelling the club’s rationale for Da Silva’s release as “very weak.” Club CEO Shane Richardson articulated that Da Silva’s potential dissatisfaction regarding his playing time behind co-captain Api Koroisau influenced the decision, asserting that the organisation wanted to support Da Silva’s aspirations to be a starting hooker sooner rather than later.
Richardson was transparent with Da Silva, informing him of plans to re-sign Koroisau, which ultimately led to the young talent’s departure to Parramatta. Elias questioned the wisdom of letting a promising player go merely due to competition for positions, suggesting that the club should invest more in developing talents like Da Silva instead of letting them walk away.
The Tigers also cited salary cap flexibility as a benefit of Da Silva’s exit. However, former player Braith Anasta echoed Elias’ bewilderment, highlighting the commitment players make to their contracts, suggesting that Da Silva’s eagerness to leave was not a solid justification for the club’s choice.
As Da Silva transitions to Parramatta, the Tigers have already faced the loss of another rising star, Lachlan Galvin. Fans are left to grapple with memories of past talent departures, including the likes of James Tedesco and Mitchell Moses, which have left scars on the club’s legacy. Elias sees immense potential in Da Silva, believing he ranks among the top six hookers in the current NRL landscape.
Despite these staffing woes, it’s not all bleak for the Tigers. Their new training facility is praised as one of the finest globally, and the club has made notable signings in the off-season, including premiership winners from Penrith. Nonetheless, the pressure is mounting on the coaching staff, particularly with the Tigers fighting to avoid finishing at the bottom of the ladder for the fourth time in a row.
As the team struggles with a six-game losing streak heading into a match against the Roosters, Elias remarked on the frustrating reality of the situation. The disappointment felt by fans is palpable, as many are left wondering how long the cycle of mismanagement and underlying issues at the club will continue.