Joey Leilua has taken a clip at Michael Maguire on the way out of Wests Tigers, accusing the coach of only blaming his players at the battling club.
Leilua’s Tigers days were numbered midway through the year when he was dropped to reserve grade by Maguire after being exposed defensively.
The club then opted not to take up an option for a third year on his contract, leaving him without a deal for 2022 after just seven games in 2021.
Leilua on Tuesday angrily denied he had only been offered a train-and-trial deal by the Tigers, but also had a crack at Maguire in the same social media post.
“Btw (by the way) I wouldn’t play for someone that blames the team all the time! And not once himself #Madge,” Leilua posted on an Instagram story.
Maguire survived an end-of-season review into the club’s performances and will start the first season of a two-year extension in 2022.
It’s not the first time Leilua has hit out at an ex-coach.
He let rip at Ricky Stuart in similar fashion at the end of his previous tenure at Canberra, claiming he “couldn’t wait” to get out of the Raiders.
The 29-year-old also had a crack at Canberra consultant Michael Ennis via social media earlier this year after the former hooker accused the player of struggling to control his on-field emotions.
Leilua’s future remains unclear with a move to rugby union in the United States believed to be one option.
His brother Luciano remains at the Tigers.
Simmo
Roar Rookie
See ya later you disgusting spud!
Terry Tavita
Roar Pro
nah, you just want to put the foot in..
Maxtruck
Roar Rookie
Not much chance of getting a USA visa after his domestic violence, assault, breach AVO in 2012
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
& still more than he deserves. makes up for when they are on 800K and not putting in the effort
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
You specifically mentioned "ex-penrith players". Mate, make up your mind. Your boys che@ted their way to a premiership and then destroyed the trophy. Enjoy what's left of it. :laughing:
Onya.
Guest
No..It just amazing that you forgot who was actually their best player. That just comes from your incredible bias. None of those other fullbacks played for West’s in 2021. So what’s the point of pointing them out ? Are West’s about to sign all of them as well? If they did & all play very well. Then you could mention all of them in a story about WEST’S , at the end of next season.
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
“their best backline player in 2021” You make it some like the “ex-Panthers” are actually a team. Perhaps the NRL’s 18th franchise? :laughing: Daine Laurie is a talented kid who will only improve with time. Just like the other promising young FBs in 2021 Blake Taaffe, Reece Walsh, Jayden Campbell, Xavier Savage and Tyrell Sloan.
Onya.
Guest
I know you can’t handle mentioning ex-Panthers. Still , Daine Laurie was their best backline player in 2021.
Onya.
Guest
I know he’s a hooker. Still , I think it must be catching on in the forwards. As Tom Starling is classy as well.
Rabbit Stew
Guest
Your Rabbits lost! Deal with it . Aren’t you a lot like BJ , with your comments?
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
Ha! The market has at last caught up with your Leilua, Terry, and that is all he is worth! The dope has played under four top line coaches and each one of them has booted him - but he is right and they are wrong? Too funny mate! :stoked: :laughing:
ozziedude
Roar Rookie
He’s getting way more than addo carr if that’s correct
Terry Tavita
Roar Pro
..i don't blame him for being angry..$1k a week is below regular minimum wage..
Tom G
Roar Rookie
Not with his limited skill set
Tom G
Roar Rookie
I agree weren't both JL and Jimmy the misfiring jet Madge signings or does he get a free pass on his recruitment by his apologists?
KenW
Roar Rookie
Luciano would be welcome back at the Saints but hopefully they'd pass on Joey. Actually I always though Joey made his debut at Dragons but looking it up apparently he left in reserves.
Stormy
Roar Rookie
Totally agree about BJ, Geoff - very sad indeed.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
True - some of the amounts being touted as being paid to some of these players sound way over the top. Not sure what to believe. Is that the sort of money they really need to pay to get players to go to the Tigers? All respect to BJ but I don't think other clubs were going to pay more than 650K for him so there was no need to offer him more. If Reynolds was on $3 mill over three years from what I've seen which is 750K per annum which sounds reasonable if you consider him a better than average half but not top shelf. The Tigers have definitely had some poor returns on their investments. I saw Jordan Rapana interviewed a few weeks ago and he was asked about Joey and their Leipana relationship and he said Ricky got the best out of BJ. Its disappointing to see that talent wasted.
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
Scaff-bro - good call
souvalis
Roar Rookie
It does sound ludicrous. But how much should Josh Reynolds have been on ? How about Moses M'Bye...Matulino, Packer, Tamou , any name bought since the 'big 3' got out ? Is he asking much more than why Madge isnt being held more accountable for the 2nd worst defence in the entire league ? Booed off on Tommy Day, 66 put on them by the Storm, 50 by the Sharks and 38 by the Dogs..BJ gets a tap on the shoulder, fair enough, but inexplicable that the coach of this rabble is excused.