https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...y/news-story/3fd64a62076185a321a416d99dcfaad4
NRL transfers news: Josh Aloiai wants out of Wests Tigers, Seyfarth wants to stay
The Wests Tigers have drawn a line in the sand and wantaway forward John Aloiai will be the first to feel the club’s new iron fist.
Michael Carayannis and Fatima Kdouh
November 17, 2020 - 6:57PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
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The Wests Tigers have warned Josh Aloiai he will be “mowing grass at Leichhardt or Campbelltown” if he fails to fulfil hisplaying commitments as the prop agitates for a move to Manly.
Hagipantelis said a breakdown in contract negotiations between Aloiai and the Wests Tigers has led to the
25-year-old asking for an immediate release to join Manly.
Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis said there was no chance the club would entertain letting one of their best players go a year early.
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“He is either a Wests Tiger or he is mowing the lawns at Leichhardt or Campbelltown or painting the change rooms at Concord — as long as he fulfils his contract,” Hagipantelis said.
“Anecdotally we are told he has come to an agreement with Manly for 2022 and 2023. I was informed that the ‘22 and ‘23 deal may be contingent on a release for 2021.
Wests Tigers won’t be bullied anymore. Josh Aloiai is helped from the field. Picture: Nathan Hopkins/NRL Photos
“There will be no release of Josh from his 2021 contract unless the club agrees to an advantageous outcome. We had entertained negotiations with Josh so one can assume (he has a more financially rewarding offer elsewhere).
“Perplexing and disappointing that a failed contract negotiation would be met for a release with a level of disrespect to the current employer.”
Hagipantelis said the Tigers had been used as a doormat for too long.
“There will be no release of Josh from his 2021 contract unless the club agrees to an advantageous outcome.”
“The days of players or others thinking they can use the Wests Tigers as a stepping stone are over,” Hagipantelis said. “You don’t come here to bide your time. You fulfil your contract and then you are free to do as you wish.
“There is a perception the Wests Tigers could be bullied but now it’s time for perception to meet reality – we will not be bullied by anyone.”
“The chairman, coaching staff players or ground staff – if we commit to the Wests Tigers then we fulfil that contract.”
The Sea Eagles have identified Aloiai as a replacement for Addin Fonua-Blake.
Manly boss Stephen Humphreys denied any deal had been struck.
Aloiai wants out of his final year. Picture: David Hossack/NRL Photos
“We rate Josh very highly both as a player and a leader,” Humphreys said. “He’s contracted to the Wests Tigers for 2021. We are very interested in attracting him to the Sea Eagles from the 2022 season. We’ve had some discussions with him and his manager about that. We remain hopeful.”
The Tigers and Aloiai’s management will meet on Wednesday. The Aloiai news follows that of Josh Addo-Carr’s decision to remain in Melbourne and is similar to the exit of Ryan Matterson from the Tigers last year after just one season.
Hagipantelis will meet with the NRL next week to campaign for restrictions on what players can earn should they break their contracts. ARL chairman Peter V’landys has floated the concept that players cannot earn more than their current deal if they exit it early and Hagipantelis wants the idea explored further.
“It’s a line in the sand across the game,” Hagipantelis said. “We are aware of numerous instances where players have asked for an early release. It shouldn’t be happening.
“If you seek a release from a club on compassionate grounds then you should not gain a commercial advantage.”
Wests Tigers are set to secure the signature of one rising forward as
Aloiai agitates for a release from the club.
Alex Seyfarth, who is currently a free agent, is close to signing an one-year extension at Concord after making his NRL debut this season.
Seyfarth, an under 18s and under 20s NSW Blues backrower, is about to secure his immediate future at the Tigers.
Alex Seyfarth set to commit to Wests Tigers. Source: NSWRL
Forward Luke Garner has two more years left on his deal at the Tigers but it’s believed the club have explored the option of moving him on.
Like Aloiai, Garner could end up at Narrabeen after the Sea Eagles inquired about his services.
The other very expensive piece of the Tigers forward pack puzzle in 2021 is Russell Packer, who has one more year remaining on his deal believed to worth around $750,000. The Tigers have attempted to offload Packer to a rival but have no takers for his services.
Rising backrower, Sam McIntyre, who made his NRL debut in 2020 for the Tigers and played 12 games, has joined the Gold Coast Titans on a one-year deal.
The Tigers might have missed out on Josh Addo-Carr but could welcome Penrith young gun Daine Laurie, who is close to agreeing to terms, as soon as this summer.
The Tigers want Daine Laurie to join the club for season 2021.
Laurie was set to sign a two year deal from season 2022 but the Tigers are in talks with Penrith about the possibility of an early release for the outside back.
