https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...e/news-story/c23573433b2ce4f86b2754a504aee082
Wests Tigers set for roster refresh as Mannah arrives as Concord
The controversial signing of Parramatta veteran forward Tim Mannah by the Wests Tigers is set to trigger a radical player clean-out under new coach Michael Maguire.
Mannah’s arrival is expected to be announced by the Tigers today, but the 31-year-old’s signing will have massive implications for his new teammates, as Maguire wrestles with a salary cap nightmare at the joint venture club.
Maguire is desperate to cull big-name stars to regain control of the roster predominantly created by former coach Ivan Cleary.
Rumours of a move surround a host of players including Josh Reynolds, Elijah Taylor, Chris McQueen and even Moses Mbye.
But fresh reports have put front-rowers Russell Packer and Ben Matulino firmly on the chopping block, as well as winger Mahe Fonua.
The Daily Telegraph reports Packer has had a falling-out with coach Maguire.
Packer was not included in the Tigers’ squad to face North Queensland this Friday, which appears to be a clear indication that he could be forced out of the Concorde club.
Packer is contracted for another two full seasons on an estimated $650,000-per-year deal.
Fellow front-rower Ben Matulino is also rumoured to be in the firing line, but the New Zealand international last night told reporters that his position had been assured by the club.
Matulino said “He’s [Maguire] told the guys individually whether they are staying or not. But he’s told me I’m staying for two more years.”
Matulino’s hefty contract — worth approximately $700,000 a year — runs until the end of 2021.
He told media last night “When (rumours of an exit) first came out, I rang my manager asking ‘what is happening?’ and he goes ‘I haven’t heard anything from anyone’ and Madge said the same thing.
“Then my manager called me and he goes ‘I can guarantee you’re not leaving’ then I talked to Madge and he reassured the same thing.”
But the news isn’t as positive for fan favourite Mahe Fonua, who may have played his last game for the club.
Fonua — beloved for his rampaging runs down the wing as well as his wonderful hairstyles — has reportedly been told by Madge he won’t be re-signed for next year.
The 26-year old had surgery on Tuesday after suffering a foot injury against the Raiders last week, and is expected to be ruled out for at least 10 weeks.
That could rob fans of the chance to farewell the much-loved figure, who made 11 starts this season after joining the club in 2018.
While Eels veteran Tim Mannah has signed a deal with the Tigers for just the remaining four months of this season, sources claim the club is interested in extending that if his performances are up to scratch.
The 31-year-old was forced to play reserve grade at Parrammatta in his 11th season at the club, and had been told by the Eels they wouldn’t re-sign him for next season.
That made an immediate switch to the Tigers the only viable option for the 233-game player.
