Inside the Wests Tigers camp, numerous internal matters are brewing that are likely to create a stir.
Heighington, still bound by his contract for 2013, is reportedly nearing the finalization of a three-year deal in the Shire, where he would reunite with former Tigers teammates Bryce Gibbs, Andrew Fifita, and John Morris as soon as November.
Additionally, Beau Ryan is being offered to competing clubs as the Tigers contemplate reaching out to several contracted players. Coach Tim Sheens refuted claims of any finalized deals but acknowledged, “there are some things that are going to happen that might make a few people unhappy.”
“It’s clear that we must enhance our recruitment efforts. We aim to boost our depth rather than just focusing on our main roster,” remarked Sheens, who remains resolute about his position at the club despite rumors linking him to the Warriors.
“There are some things that are going to unfold that might unsettle a few individuals.
“However, adjustments are necessary. I’m not suggesting a complete overhaul.
“That does not imply that everything is wrong. We must assess everything thoroughly. We will retain what worked and revise what didn’t.
“Every club that doesn’t finish second will likely do this this year.”
Last season, Sheens and the Tigers faced significant internal turmoil when they attempted to release popular players like Heighington, Ryan, Liam Fulton, and Gibbs midway through the year.
In the end, Gibbs and prop Andrew Fifita were ultimately let go, an action that almost derailed the club’s ambitions for the 2011 title.
Gibbs had recently signed a three-year extension before his release, a situation Ryan now finds himself in after negotiating a new deal with chief executive Stephen Humphreys.
It is anticipated that dual international Lote Tuqiri, currently without a contract, will also struggle to secure a new agreement.
Reports suggest that Manly prop Brent Kite leads a list of players the Tigers are negotiating with as they seek to strengthen a roster expected to contend for the premiership come March.
Over the off-season, Braith Anasta, Eddy Pettybourne, and Bodene Thompson are set to join the club to balance the departure of English international Ellis.
Heighington is believed to be furious about the recent strategy to push him out.
“Chris has been an exceptional contributor to this club, but our focus is not beyond next year at this moment,” asserted Sheens.
“I’m not ruling out the possibility of re-signing him, but for now, we are not considering an extension to that contract.
“Our top priorities are Robbie Farah and possibly big Keith Galloway, both of whom have one year remaining. Liam Fulton is also another consideration.”
Sheens is keen to have Royce Simmons return as an assistant next season but declared that it would not entail any job losses for his current support staff, including Steve Georgallis, Bryan Hyder, Grant Jones, or Warren McDonnell.
by Buford Balony
