Danny Weidler’s column today …
Large consequences
The ridiculous clauses in Stefano Utoikamanu’s Wests Tigers contract, where he could leave if they missed the top eight, have resulted in the club adopting a new approach, and that has cost them rising star Onitoni Large.
Large, who has joined Manly, wanted clauses inserted in his contract that made him a free agent if Lachlan Galvin signed a new deal to stay at the Tigers beyond 2026. The Tigers no longer want to do deals that can come back to haunt them in the future. Particularly when the intention is for Galvin to be a long-term Tiger. It would mean they would have developed Large for another season or two and then potentially lost him.
It is Large’s agent’s job to do the best deal for his client, but the Tigers don’t want agents setting the tone for them.
It may cost them a player or two, but the feeling is they can’t be pushovers or they will never drag themselves out of the cellar. Taking a strong stance when you are running last is a brave move, but one they are comfortable with.