James Graham has raised concerns regarding the abrupt decision by Wests Tigers officials allowing young hooker Tallyn Da Silva to negotiate with other clubs, despite his contract running until the end of 2026. This move appears to stem from the club’s intention to retain Api Koroisau, effectively blocking Da Silva’s opportunity to secure the starting No.9 position.
This issue escalated recently when Da Silva remained on the bench for the entire match during the Tigers’ disappointing loss to Canberra. Coach Benji Marshall dismissed concerns about Da Silva’s lack of playing time but did not assure fans of his future at the club past June.
On Triple M’s NRL Daily, Graham critiqued the Tigers for what he sees as a hasty decision that could backfire, especially given the unpredictable nature of football and potential injuries among older players. He expressed disappointment at the club’s past allowance for talented juniors, such as Lachlan Galvin, to leave prematurely, stating it made little sense to let another promising player seek opportunities elsewhere.
The timing of Da Silva’s contract situation aligns with the Tigers struggling through a five-match losing streak, with three defeats by narrow margins. While some improvements on the field have been noted, former Sharks player Wade Graham highlighted that the team is heading in the wrong direction after an initially optimistic start.
Fans have expressed frustration over the Tigers’ inconsistency and the persistence of troubling issues within the club, as seen with both the Galvin and Da Silva cases. Graham pointed to defensive lapses, like those in the match against Canberra, as critical areas needing focus, stating that while the roster has improved, the team’s overall performance remains inadequate.
With upcoming fixtures, Marshall’s team is set to face the struggling Sea Eagles at Brookvale, looking to break the losing streak and regain momentum.