Panthers coach Ivan Cleary says rumours of a potential player swap involving Izack Tago and Bulldogs centre Bronson Xerri are merely “porky pies” and someone is “lying” about the situation.
It comes after a bombshell report on the weekend that
Xerri wanted out of Canterbury because he was allegedly going to be dropped for this week’s game against Canberra.
The Bulldogs have denied the report, and that’s been supported by Cleary who wants the NRL to introduce a transfer window to avoid the constant contract speculation that dominates the headlines during the season.
“I did hear about that. Someone’s lying,” the veteran coach said on Monday morning.
“We love him (Tago) but someone has made up a lie. I know it’s good for you guys (the media) because you get to run with it, but someone is telling porky pies.
“We haven’t even spoken about it so it’s not destabilising because someone just made up a lie.
“It happens a fair bit. It’s part of the reason why our transfer system is an ordinary one because it’s 365 days a year, so someone can just start something and it gets a little bit of a run.
“Hopefully I’m not going to give it any oxygen.”
Cleary said he would instead prefer a transfer window similar to that in the AFL.
“We’ve certainly seen in other sports it (a transfer window) adds to that period where there’s build-up to it and fans can get involved in it,” Cleary said.
“The way we run now, on a daily basis, we’re almost having recruitment meetings. It’s crazy.”
Tago has four premierships to his name but hasn’t been a part of the starting Panthers side yet this season.
He played reserve grade in round one and was part of the six-man bench in Bathurst on Saturday but didn’t take the field against Cronulla.
Tago is contracted until 2028, and his coach made it clear he remained a big part of Penrith’s plans, even if he has lost his spot in the backline to Tom Jenkins who has started the year on fire.
“All he can do at the moment is train the best he can to prepare,” Cleary said.
“I mentioned after round one that his preparation was a little bit compromised through situations that weren’t his fault.
“That was a little unfortunate for him, but that’s the way it is at the moment. I’ve got all the faith in the world in ‘Tags’ because he’s kept his head up and trained really hard.
“Each week he’s a chance to get on the field anyway. He had a game in Cup and played really well which shows a couple of things – he can play and he’s a good character.
“It’s a long hard year and we’re going to need him. We just don’t know when that’s going to be.”
‘Someone’s lying’: Cleary slams rumour... and floats AFL-inspired solution to NRL issue
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