Ignoring the financial aspect, I look at it this way.
A young half showed plenty of positives for a season with an average roster, new coach and off the back of several years of poor performance. On paper, he did pretty well.
As a young half, there’s a lot more pressure and expectation, especially when you’re viewed as being the future of a club or a future representative player etc.
To be an elite half, you have to be that damn good or be part of a system where you’ll be developed into greatness.
Is he that good? Not sure. Would he benefit from a good system, surrounded by experienced and top level players? Absolutely. So looking at where the tigers are now, even after six rounds, he has the players around him and the team overall is performing much better.
If he goes to another club, is he a lead half? No. Would he be part of a system with established halves? Probably. One season as a “prodigy” does not give rise to elite status and what comes with it.
All this public airing of drama can only be driven by personal opinion, motives or management influence. If he’s that confident this is what he needs to do to be successful, good luck to him but with this decision comes just as much potential to not work out as intended.
A few good years of development brings much more long term than gambling your stocks on potential.
