NRL Cowboys release Willie Tonga

[doggie_4_life]

http://www.nrl.com/nrl-cowboys-release-willie-tonga/tabid/10874/newsid/63943/default.aspxhttp://North Queensland centre Willie Tonga has been released from the final year of his contract to pursue his NRL career elsewhere.The Maroons centre's future with the Cowboys has been the subject of speculation for months with reports linking him to Parramatta and the Sydney Roosters.
Cowboys general manager of football Peter Parr said the club and Tonga had reach a mutual agreement that it was best he look for a contract with another NRL club at season's end.
Parramatta are known to be very keen about securing the 27-year-old who started his NRL career with the Eels in 2002.
Tonga said his decision to leave the Cowboys a year earlier than expected was not for football-related reasons but rather for a change of lifestyle.
"I have nothing but good things to say about the Cowboys, my time with the club, the coaches I have worked with, the players I have played with and the staff here," Tonga said.
"I've had a great time playing footy with the Cowboys and look forward to ending off this season on a high note.
"I have decided that I want to move away from Townsville and that's the only reason why I've come to this decision."
Parr said the Cowboys respected Tonga's decision and hoped another NRL club would soon sign the Test and Origin back.
"Willie has been a fine player for this club and we'll be sad to see him go," he said.
So, there you go eels fans, it's between you and the rooters for viliami's signiture. http://www.nrl.com/nrl-cowboys-release-willie-tonga/tabid/10874/newsid/63943/default.aspx

 

[Parramatta1947]

Hope we get him but if we don't, we can blame Sterlo for letting it slip.

 

[Parra Pride]

Bring back Morts.

 

[Jake the snake]

He hates Brian Smith so I don't think he'd be going to the Roosters.

 

[ParraSteve]

we should have enough money to woo him over as well he'll get the chance to play along side his brother would also be tempting

 

[Eels Dude]

He hates Brian Smith so I don't think he'd be going to the Roosters.

I thought the reason he left was because he wasn't getting a look in with two current internationals ahead of him in the centres. He left the club when he was 19 and had barely played any first grade for us.

 

[TheParraboy]

Willie or wont he?

 

[parra-matters]

Willie or wont he?

He might.

 

[Jake the snake]

I thought the reason he left was because he wasn't getting a look in with two current internationals ahead of him in the centres. He left the club when he was 19 and had barely played any first grade for us.

Spoke to him once when he was at the Dogs and asked him why he left. He had nothing good to say about Smith.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

I'm not fussed if we don't get him, to be honest. He has been injury prone this year which is always a worry as players approach the big three zero.

Onviously he's better than any of the outside backs we have contracted for next year but for how long? And what kind of contract is he looking for?

I think he and his manager are looking for a monster payday, and we might be disappointing them.

 

[Eels Dude]

I'm not fussed if we don't get him, to be honest. He has been injury prone this year which is always a worry as players approach the big three zero.

Onviously he's better than any of the outside backs we have contracted for next year but for how long? And what kind of contract is he looking for?

I think he and his manager are looking for a monster payday, and we might be disappointing them.

I don't want to pay over for him either. The difference with a player like Tonga compared to our other contracts centres for next year is that he has the ability to get outside his man and and set up his winger. He's very dangerous like that. Morgan, Loko, and the other Tonga are just finishers at this stage and nothing more.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

the other Tonga are just finishers at this stage and nothing more.

Au contraire bonjour.

Esi Tonga has 5 LBAs this year to Willie's 3. I know because I just updated the LBA thread.

This despite Esi playing less games.

 

[spiderdan]

Spoke to him once when he was at the Dogs and asked him why he left. He had nothing good to say about Smith.

I was told the same thing by one of his relatives. Basically Brian was the reason he left.

 

[True EEL]

i think he would be a great buy if we get him, but i wont be chucking a tantrum if we don't....he does have some injury concerns as some here have already posted

 

[Far Canal]

Heard the same. He did not like Smith's coaching habits such as texting players and asking them are they fired up for a big match etc. Fair enough you tell players that but by text?

 

[eels1986]

We need depth in the 3/4 so he would be a welcomed addition. Looking forward to having Willie back where he belongs.

 

[bartman]

I think he and his manager are looking for a monster payday, and we might be disappointing them.

It's not like we've been in the habit of disappointing players or managers with offers that are "unders" lately, given the amount of chasing (often through the press) that we have done before landing the likes of Sandow....

So I would say that if Willie wants to come back, given the amount we are apparently under the cap (that also serves as an excuse for this year's performances), then he can basically name his price and he'll be in our colours quick smart.

 

[True EEL]

if we get him, could well be:

3. Tonga, E
4. Tonga, W

because seriously, i don't expect Loko back from that knee injury till mid-season and well, Morgan..??

 

[Shorty]

Well, put it this way....with the money you spend buying him you won't have to spend any on a winger!

But seriously, he'll do his best for the club...puts in his all.

 

[Eels Dude]

It's not like we've been in the habit of disappointing players or managers with offers that are "unders" lately, given the amount of chasing (often through the press) that we have done before landing the likes of Sandow....

So I would say that if Willie wants to come back, given the amount we are apparently under the cap (that also serves as an excuse for this year's performances), then he can basically name his price and he'll be in our colours quick smart.

The club shouldn't be taken advantage of though. He should be paid just what he's worth. We may be 500k under the cap but that doesn't mean we should be offering him 500k.