Sheens settles dispute with Wests Tigers
As the current Wests Tigers coach fights for his future, his predecessor has finally had some resolution with the NRL club.
Almost two years after being sacked close to the end of the 2012 season, Tim Sheens on Friday night reached agreement with the club following a long-running dispute over his dismissal.
He was contracted until the end of 2013 but wasn't paid since last July.
Sheens subsequently planned to sue the club over his axing and the case was to be heard in the NSW Supreme Court in December.
However, Sheens - who coached Wests Tigers to their first premiership in 2005 - said in a statement that he was "pleased to have the dispute resolved and to put the matter behind me".
Sheens was reportedly seeking as much as $1.5 million in lost income and damages.
Wests Tigers chairman Mike Bailey paid tribute to Sheens for his service of more than 11 years.
"Tim developed and nurtured a vast talent pool into some of the league's frontline players," said the joint statement.
"He was instrumental in the club's success and harnessed talent such as Benji Marshall, Robbie Farah, Aaron Woods and a host of others.
"The decision to move to a new coach was about a need to regenerate and had nothing to do with alleged discontent amongst the players.
"Tim has a proven track record and would be an asset to any club. He will always be revered at the club, though he has moved on."
After sacking Sheens, the Tigers appointed Mick Potter as his replacement.
They finished second last in his first year in charge and, as they struggle to make the top eight this season, Potter's future has caused a number of squabbles involving players, past and present, and senior club management.
