Skipper Robbie Farah has expressed his frustration with Wests Tigers management over the messy retention of James Tedesco.
The rookie fullback turned his back on a three-year deal with Canberra on Wednesday to remain with the NRL joint venture after a heart-to-heart chat with Farah.
But the NSW No.9 said the Tigers should have done more initially to retain Tedesco and save the 21-year-old plenty of heartache.
“I’m disappointed in how it was handled. I think it definitely could have been handled a lot better. The only people that handled it the right way were the Canberra Raiders,” Farah said at Tigers training on Thursday.
“We, as a club, need to learn the way from the way it was handled because a kid that wanted to stay here should never have been felt like he needed to leave. The whole time he wanted to stay.”
Tigers chief executive Grant Mayer said he was surprised at Tedesco’s backflip and understood the Raiders’ frustration.
“It was very surprising but very pleasing,” Mayer said.
“Canberra would be absolutely shattered but I’m sure they are both thinking today, what’s next?
“That is what professionals do and they would be thinking about how they can make their team stronger.
“They have been very open and transparent about making moves on some players and they obviously targeted Teddy.
“It’s disappointing for them. I am sure their fans and their sponsors are disappointed but, at the end of the day, my focus in on the Wests Tigers,” said Mayer.
In committing to a future at the club which has brought him through the grades, Tedesco’s backflip is a good thing for rugby league, said Tigers coach Mick Potter.
“It shows something about the club and the players that we do have that he is going to sacrifice money to stay and play with his mates,” Potter said at training on Thursday.
“That is a big plus for the club and a big plus for rugby league that players want to stay and play with people they have grown up with.
“The players are buzzing this morning.
“It is a case of he is happy to be here and he always wanted to stay.
“It’s not a slight on anyone but he just wants to play with his mates.
“It is unfortunate (for Ricky Stuart.
“I wouldn’t like to be on the end of the phone when you receive a call like that.”
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