slammerman
New member
http://www.macarthuradvertiser.com.au/story/1641777/plenty-more-for-wests-tigers-fans-to-cheer-about
**Plenty more for Wests Tigers fans to cheer about**
SCOTT Dougherty asked Wests Tigers chief operating officer Grant Mayer some questions after Benji Marshall asked the club for a release.
**Fans are worried the Wests Tigers are losing too many quality players. What can you say to ease their worries?**
We have got an exceptionally strong list of young talent coming through the club. Decisions that some of our senior players may have made simply expedites the process of getting them into first grade.
**Everyone knows the kids coming through will be quality players, but most are a few years away from being top-class first graders. Can we expect a few lean years to come?**
No football club plans to have lean years. Our aim is to be competitive in every game we play. The opportunity that now presents itself gives us a chance to balance the youth policy with some experienced heads. We are very fortunate to have strong leadership in the form of Robbie Farah, Aaron Woods, Chris Lawrence, Liam Fulton and Keith Galloway, and I'm confident our fans will have more to cheer in 2014 and beyond.
**With Marshall leaving, it obviously leaves a lot of space in the salary cap for next year. Who are the targets from other clubs, or if you can't say, what positions will be targeted?**
Things are always obvious with the salary cap. I would simply say it is a jigsaw puzzle that we manage day by day. We certainly have opportunity but my vision is that 2015 is the year we plan an active role in marquee player recruitment. 2014 will be a year of development and we are buoyed by the fact our fans have expressed their desire to come on our journey.
**Who do you see as the next superstar for the club?**
I think we have a habit in this country to put too much expectations on young people. History is littered with kids with amazing potential that have never quite made it. That said, Wests Tigers recruitment staff, executive staff, and board should be applauded for the level of talent.
**What do you see as Benji Marshall's biggest legacy for the club?**
I think that is a very personal thought. He has done so much and I'm hopeful that our fans will help remind us all of what he has done for the club.
**How important is having a big presence in Campbelltown for the club?**
Campbelltown is very important t us. I recently wrote to the General Manager of Campbelltown City Council and expressed our involvement in the region is more than just playing football games. We have been exceptionally active in the Junior League and development pathways for many years and are very hopeful that we will do more in this space going forward. Games will continued to be played at Campbelltown Sports Stadium and we are keen to understand from the council if an offer made by Councillor Paul Lake recently in regards to paying for content is also available to Wests Tigers. We have a genuine desire to play football games at Campbelltown Sports Stadium. Let me make that clear. We need to feel as though we are wanted.
**Are you enjoying the role? it's been a big few weeks.**
I’m loving every minute of it. I’m in a very fortunate position to have made a career out of something I love. I believe in the Wests Tigers thus my decision to accept the Chief Operating Officer role. I’m energised by what lays ahead.
**When will the new chief executive be announced? Are you putting your hand up for it too?**
That’s a question for the board. I have certainly expressed my desire to lead this Club.
**What will be the State of Origin score on Wednesday night?**
Robbie Farah is captain of NSW. As long as he and prop Aaron Woods get through unscathed, I'll be happy with a one point win.
**Plenty more for Wests Tigers fans to cheer about**
SCOTT Dougherty asked Wests Tigers chief operating officer Grant Mayer some questions after Benji Marshall asked the club for a release.
**Fans are worried the Wests Tigers are losing too many quality players. What can you say to ease their worries?**
We have got an exceptionally strong list of young talent coming through the club. Decisions that some of our senior players may have made simply expedites the process of getting them into first grade.
**Everyone knows the kids coming through will be quality players, but most are a few years away from being top-class first graders. Can we expect a few lean years to come?**
No football club plans to have lean years. Our aim is to be competitive in every game we play. The opportunity that now presents itself gives us a chance to balance the youth policy with some experienced heads. We are very fortunate to have strong leadership in the form of Robbie Farah, Aaron Woods, Chris Lawrence, Liam Fulton and Keith Galloway, and I'm confident our fans will have more to cheer in 2014 and beyond.
**With Marshall leaving, it obviously leaves a lot of space in the salary cap for next year. Who are the targets from other clubs, or if you can't say, what positions will be targeted?**
Things are always obvious with the salary cap. I would simply say it is a jigsaw puzzle that we manage day by day. We certainly have opportunity but my vision is that 2015 is the year we plan an active role in marquee player recruitment. 2014 will be a year of development and we are buoyed by the fact our fans have expressed their desire to come on our journey.
**Who do you see as the next superstar for the club?**
I think we have a habit in this country to put too much expectations on young people. History is littered with kids with amazing potential that have never quite made it. That said, Wests Tigers recruitment staff, executive staff, and board should be applauded for the level of talent.
**What do you see as Benji Marshall's biggest legacy for the club?**
I think that is a very personal thought. He has done so much and I'm hopeful that our fans will help remind us all of what he has done for the club.
**How important is having a big presence in Campbelltown for the club?**
Campbelltown is very important t us. I recently wrote to the General Manager of Campbelltown City Council and expressed our involvement in the region is more than just playing football games. We have been exceptionally active in the Junior League and development pathways for many years and are very hopeful that we will do more in this space going forward. Games will continued to be played at Campbelltown Sports Stadium and we are keen to understand from the council if an offer made by Councillor Paul Lake recently in regards to paying for content is also available to Wests Tigers. We have a genuine desire to play football games at Campbelltown Sports Stadium. Let me make that clear. We need to feel as though we are wanted.
**Are you enjoying the role? it's been a big few weeks.**
I’m loving every minute of it. I’m in a very fortunate position to have made a career out of something I love. I believe in the Wests Tigers thus my decision to accept the Chief Operating Officer role. I’m energised by what lays ahead.
**When will the new chief executive be announced? Are you putting your hand up for it too?**
That’s a question for the board. I have certainly expressed my desire to lead this Club.
**What will be the State of Origin score on Wednesday night?**
Robbie Farah is captain of NSW. As long as he and prop Aaron Woods get through unscathed, I'll be happy with a one point win.
