The History of Motzen Saga
Tigers players have referred to the decision to allow the likes of Bryce Gibbs, Andrew Fifita (both Cronulla) and Tim Moltzen (St George Illawarra) to head elsewhere as a speedhump in their season that needed to be overcome.
It is a tough circumstance when youve got some changes happening to your roster and every club goes through it.We hadnt been through it for a number of years so I guess when it eventually did happen for us it was going to be a bit of a shock.
Humphreys said the exiting players, who join assistant coach Peter Gentle (Hull) and high performance manager Steve Folkes (Dragons), had galvanised the squad.
I think it is a motivating factor for a group thats very tight like our group, he said.
I think it can be and has been overplayed but it is in the mix.
Humphreys said there was no concern the club had made the wrong call on the departures and the recruitment of Adam Blair, Joel Reddy and Matt Bell.
''He's flying for us. He's a big loss for the club, a massive loss. I'm still devastated he's going, especially the way he's been playing. That's rugby league.''
Moltzen had never played in a finals match until last Friday night. It just so happened that it was against the team that bundled his team out, minus him, last year.
And also the same club Moltzen will join next year.
''During the week, it's something I think about a little bit,'' Moltzen said of leaving the club. ''Coming up to the game, I'm definitely focused on the game and what I've got to do.
''The thing that makes me think about it is just having to move, all the stuff around it. But I'm just really trying to focus on now. We've got a great chance here. I don't want to focus on anything else other than what we've got to do.''
Moltzen has since moved on from the drama and, now that his future is secure, is intent on finishing off his time at the Tigers on a high.
Youre not around forever, the 22-year-old said yesterday, just days out from Friday nights blockbuster between the two clubs at the Sydney Football Stadium.
You have to make the most of the opportunities you have and this is the way its turned out.
Im happy with the decision but my focus is on the Tigers and Im not really worried about next year until it comes around.
Moltzen is contracted with the Tigers until the end of 2013, but was given permission to speak to other clubs.
Souths and Cronulla had also shown interest in the 22-year-old utility back before he and Tauber negotiated a deal to play under Steve Price at the Dragons next year.
"I'm meeting with the Wests Tigers [today]," Tauber said.
"There was already a verbal agreement in place, but I've been away for the weekend and I'm quite disappointed in all the carry-on about it.
"There is no issue. He will be at the Dragons next year."
A Tigers official yesterday morning said there was no certainty over when and if the Moltzen clearance would be formalised. But Tauber was emphatic it would go ahead today.
I think at 20 ?? and hes knees hold up ok he going to be a very good player, I think half might be where he plays hes best footy..
