Outcast Wests Tigers star David Nofoaluma has taken aim at his former club after announcing a new deal with Super League club Salford.
The winger, who is the Tigers’ all-time record tryscorer, was left isolated after a fallout with former teammate and new Wests coach Benji Marshall over perceived training standards, leading to him agreeing a payout on the remaining time on his deal to leave ahead of the 2024 season.
Now, with a new club lined up on the other side of the world, Nofa has done the media rounds to tell his side of the story on one of the off-season’s longest-running sagas.
“Obviously, it’s disappointing. It hurts me personally,” he told the SMH.
“A lot of times, people don’t realise we’re humans before athletes. Instead of dealing with it on a personal level…there’s no need to go to the press. I don’t think it’s a nice thing to do.
“It shows what type of club you are. I don’t have to deal with that anymore, which is a good thing.
“I was the longest-serving player in the team whilst I was there. As much as things didn’t go well and they wanted me out of there, it doesn’t take away from the time I’ve been there.
“The last year or two, there were times where I struggled a bit, trying to pull things together in terms of playing. A lot of the Tigers fans still appreciate me and love me because they still remember all the good things I’ve done for them.”
Now, he said he was looking for a new start with Salford after getting a taste of a different environment while on loan at the Melbourne Storm.
“I think for myself it’s a good move for me to get out Sydney and experience what it’s like over in Europe,” he added to News Corp.
“I’m excited about it. I got a taste of a new club when I went down to Melbourne, so I know what it’s like to be in a new environment. It’s a fresh start.”
He went on to explain how things had gone sour at the Tigers.
“It really started when I stopped being included on members days,” said Nofoaluma.
“I could just sense an aura that they didn’t want me to be there. I didn’t want to go back from Melbourne and that’s where it started. I made it clear to the club that I didn’t want to come back.
“I know that it was only a loan but I think that played a part in it. When I left for Melbourne, I thought I left for good.
“Sometimes I think if I stayed at Melbourne I might have played in rep teams. But in a way the Tigers will always be a part of me. It was hard being part of a losing outfit for 11 years, it impacts you.
“There were a lot of things written and said (at the Tigers), especially when things weren’t going great. I think that hurts the most because there’s other ways of dealing with it, which is in house.
“But unfortunately that is what the Tigers have been known for. I hope they’re successful. I hope they have a great year. I’m not the type to hold grudges.”
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