Wests Tigers made a harsh call for a change of coach earlier this month; now they face another massive decision.
Skipper James Tamou, who will turn 34 at the end of the year, wants to continue playing for the club in 2023 and officials have to decide whether to give him a new deal or let him go.
Tamou is one of five captains appointed by dismissed coach Michael Maguire at the start of the season, but he is the public face of the group of players.
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He is very popular among the team, especially among the young island players, and he is a good role model and all this will influence the decision of the Tigers.
But Tamou has 14 years of hard work in the front row under his hood, and that has taken its toll on his body.
Their best football is behind the old support of Test and NSW Origin and the Tigers have to make the tough decision of whether it’s better to go with a younger player or stay with the tough veteran.
This week, the club gave permission to Tyrone Peachey, who only joined the club this year, to test the market.
The Wests Tigers face a decision on the future of the game from skipper James Tamou. (Getty)
Panthers looking forward to May
The Panthers don’t have many players on their shopping list for 2023, but Terrell May is one of them.
A brother of Penrith Taylan and former Panther Tyrone, the 23-year-old is a young man from the Panthers who made his NRL debut earlier this season, ironically against Penrith.
The Roosters are ready to keep the promising midfielder and both clubs are currently fighting for their services.
With the Roosters losing a number of big names in recent seasons, their path to the top may be easier there.
But the appeal of coming home – and playing alongside your little brother – will also be a big factor in your decision.
Terrell May during a Sydney Roosters training session. (Getty)
Greek international finds new club
The Sharks may have been a useful player for the final clash with talented utility player Billy Magoulias.
The 25-year-old signed with Warrington Wolves only last November, but a persistent ankle injury and his pregnant wife forced him to ask for release.
Warrington fulfilled his wish and the Greek international, who has played a good handful of games with the Sharks in first grade, played last weekend with the Cronulla Newtown feeding team.
In form and dismissal, Magoulias is a practical footballer and could even get a career in the higher grade during the Origin period.
Why Queensland couldn’t bet on Cotter
This is a story I swore to keep secret about Cowboys coach Todd Payten.
But since 17 years have passed, I will explain everything, because it is relevant this week.
A few days before the 2005 Wests Tigers grand final, ironically against the Cowboys, Payten broke his hamstrings during training.
Then the Tigers coach Tim Sheens kept it a secret, telling me what happened but forbidding me to write it down, and he decided to go for Payten.
The play was a delight: Payten lasted the match and scored the last try that sealed the only and only Tigers prime minister.
Reuben Cotter and Billy Slater (Getty)
So Payten this week knows how his young prop Reuben Cotter feels after a hamstring tear in the warm-up against Manly last Friday night cost him his place on the Queensland Origin team.
Why could one play, 17 years ago, and the other not now, with more time to recover and when sports science has improved considerably?
Payten was a talented tackle, but not so quiet, so fast that he relied on ball skills and cunning to pass the games.
But Cotter is like a tornado, it does everything at 100 km / h.
The Maroons field knew they couldn’t “breastfeed” the hamstrings, and if they went out and played their fast-paced natural game, there would be a real danger that the hamstrings would be wanted, and it was a bet they couldn’t afford. .
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