So was Ivan lying about having discussions (his words per statement) with Penrith, and/or, why would anyone from the club mention WT will not be releasing him?
The known fact is he has a contract with WT, so if you know of any other contract that Ivan may have other than the NRL coaching position, it would be great if you could let everyone know and then there will be another contract which he can be released from.
I personally find it irrelevant, whether or not Cleary was or was not negotiating with another club.
I commend Brooks for his performances this year, really happy for him. He needs to get better again if he has any ambition of being a true Tigers (or NRL) star. That includes playing well despite off-field noise. There's no excuse, there's just the fact that he didn't poll points when we know those were clutch games for the team. Halfbacks really should be polling in those games.
Whilst I was and am still after a response from Jad, I must say that that your response seems disingenuous.
From many it would be easily accepted, but when you have written opinion on the importance of forwards laying a foundation and often break down essay like posts to point out detail that affect games, dismissing a the effects of a relatively major upheaval on the playing squad as irrelevant just doesn't cut it.
Not disingenuous at all.
All we know for sure is Penrith spoke to Cleary about a coaching role - that's the only thing truly verified. You can call that "discussions" but it doesn't necessarily involve intention to break a contract. Cleary came out a week later and confirmed he was committed to his contract.
Brooks has an opportunity every day of the week to chat to Cleary about the coaching situation, to potentially reassure himself it he has concerns.
Cleary didn't go anywhere then, nor has he gone anywhere since.
Now I can understand if that might be a little distracting, but you go out on the field and you play football. Better players put distractions behind them. Benji played this year just after his Grandad died and frankly that's far more immediate and distressing than paper talk over where your coach might be in 2019.
So I don't accept an excuse that Brooks may have polled poorly the last few weeks because he might have been distracted by the coaching talk. If he was, then it's not good enough. They were key games for the Tigers and to be off your game for such a flimsy reason is concerning.
Now personally I don't believe any such thing is true. I believe Brooks tried his best, but he didn't really stamp his authority in those key matches - particularly the Dragons game. Not all his fault, but also an indicator of why he ultimately didn't get the Dally M. And that award was legitimately within his reach.
