My old man's a massive sharks fan he's had season tickets/Membership for the last 16 years. Last season when you guys were playing well i was having a chat with him about how well the sharks were going & how bad the Tigers were playing. Being a Tigers fan he was rubbing my nose in it (in a playful way) saying thanks for the players etc etc. I was glad the sharks were going well as I know how much pleasure he gets from them winning, Im the same with the tigers.
I wasnt bitter about you guys winning with so many ex tigers players in your team as I knew most of the of the guys we let go were neccesary in order to break up the boys club that was left to fester under the Leadership of Sheens. The club led by Benji was more interested in having a good time than winning. After a couple of lean years we are starting to see rewards of making some tough/unpopular decisions. We probably wont make the 8 this year but the club is positioned well for the future & this would not have been possible without offloading the players we did. Unfortunately watching the sharks reminds me of watching the last 2 seasons of the tigers.
Over the last 2 seasons there is probably only 1 or 2 players that any of us tigers fans who have a slight knowledge about the game were disapointed about losing. When i say us Im talking about the general feeling on the tigers forum from us supporters.
Gibbs: most were dissapointed in losing him, sure he isnt going to bust a bunch a tackles or put away backs with an offload but his defence was second to none. We all thought he was greatly underrated. That being said he was starting to spend more time out injured & with some young props coming through tough decisions needed to be made.
Fifita: I think most knew he was going to be special & we were dissapointed in losing him. His attitude was poor under sheens & he definatley needed a change. Unfortunately he left before sheens did. There wouldn't be a tigers fan alive that wouldnt love him, Woods & Galloway in our team.
Heighno: glad we got rid of him, i was sick of seeing the heighno shuffle just before the line & his change of direction straight back into the markers. Absolutely useless in attack & rarely dominates a tackle in defence.
Ryan: some were dissapointed as he had a great year the previous season & his media profile brough great exposure to the club. Most were glad to see him go though as there were more talented juniours in Nofo & Simona ready to take over.
Ayshford: we all rejoiced, he's a slow & cant tackle as you gus are now discovering. We all wished he was leaving the day he signed & not stayed to finish the season.
Ryan, Heighno & Ayshford were allegedly part of Benji's club that divided the Tigers dressing room so getting rid of them was integral in moving the club forward. Most of us fans thought it would take 2-3 years but Potter & Mayer did it 1. You guys are now starting to see the reasons why theynwere shipped out of camp Concord.
