Tim Moltzen's decision to stay with Wests Tigers last summer after agreeing to join the Dragons remains one of the most controversial about faces in recent history. And, as the utility back prepares to put pen to paper once more, he is relieved by the absence of uproar this time around. Moltzen, the subject of an intense tug-of-war between the Tigers and St George Illawarra last season, has agreed to terms with his current club.
Moltzen is set to sign a new three-year deal with the Tigers, taking him through to the end of 2015, after both parties came to agreement this week, ending the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.
''I'm obviously excited to put an end to all the drama which unfolded with the contracts,'' Moltzen said yesterday. ''It's just good to have some security over the next three years, and be at the club I love being at.''
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The news will be a boost for the club as they attempt to turn around two consecutive losses when they face Canterbury tonight at Allianz Stadium. While Moltzen is sidelined with a hamstring injury, he will be free of the ongoing speculation when he returns, likely next weekend when the Tigers face Penrith.
Moltzen had other potential suitors. He had been linked with Canberra, as well as the NSW Waratahs, while the utility had also been targeted by another Super Rugby franchise, the Melbourne Rebels, as well as Super League club Leeds. But at 23, Moltzen felt it was too early to quit the NRL.
''I wouldn't say I was close to leaving,'' Moltzen said. ''There was some interest floating around but obviously my main priority was to stay where I am. I didn't want to go through all the drama I had gone through previously. Being able to stick around was my main focus.''
Tigers chief executive Stephen Humphreys was reluctant to say too much until the deal was officially signed off on, but confirmed Moltzen had agreed to terms.
''We see Tim as an integral member of our squad,'' Humphreys said. ''His versatility and adaptability deliver great value to the club. We're looking forward to finalising the contract over the next few days.''
Moltzen's manager Martin Tauber added: ''I'm delighted that it's been resolved. He's got the next three years secure, and he'll be playing with the club he loves so much. He can get on with his life while playing with the guys he wants to play with.''
That has never been in doubt. Moltzen earned the wrath of the Dragons last year when he agreed to sign a three-year deal, only to opt out of it when the Tigers decided not to grant him a formal release.
The Dragons, who had made Moltzen their marquee signing last year, were so angered by the backflip that they commenced a bitter war of words with the Tigers and the player, and threatened legal action.
While Moltzen, who had remained on contract only until the end of this season, has appeared to suffer from the speculation surrounding his future, having failed to consistently find form this year, there is no doubt on his day he can be a gamebreaker.
