Once bitten, twice shy: Moltzen staying for three more years

tigersrule4life

New member
TIM MOLTZEN'S re-signing with Wests Tigers last summer remains one of the most controversial in recent history. And, as the utility back prepares to put pen to paper once more, he is relieved by the absence of uproar this time around. Moltzen, the subject of an intense tug-of-war between the Tigers and St George Illawarra last season, has agreed to terms with his current club.

Moltzen is set to sign a new three-year deal with the Tigers, taking him through to the end of 2015, after both parties came to agreement this week, ending the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.

''I'm obviously excited to put an end to all the drama which unfolded with the contracts,'' Moltzen said yesterday. ''It's just good to have some security over the next three years, and be at the club I love being at.''

Advertisement: Story continues below

The news will be a boost for the club as they attempt to turn around two consecutive losses when they face Canterbury tonight at Allianz Stadium. While Moltzen is sidelined with a hamstring injury, he will be free of the ongoing speculation when he returns, likely next weekend when the Tigers face Penrith.

Moltzen had other potential suitors. He had been linked with Canberra, as well as the NSW Waratahs, while the utility had also been targeted by another Super Rugby franchise, the Melbourne Rebels, as well as Super League club Leeds. But at 23, Moltzen felt it was too early to quit the NRL.

''I wouldn't say I was close to leaving,'' Moltzen said. ''There was some interest floating around but obviously my main priority was to stay where I am. I didn't want to go through all the drama I had gone through previously. Being able to stick around was my main focus.''

Tigers chief executive Stephen Humphreys was reluctant to say too much until the deal was officially signed off on, but confirmed Moltzen had agreed to terms.

''We see Tim as an integral member of our squad,'' Humphreys said. ''His versatility and adaptability deliver great value to the club. We're looking forward to finalising the contract over the next few days.''

Moltzen's manager Martin Tauber added: ''I'm delighted that it's been resolved. He's got the next three years secure, and he'll be playing with the club he loves so much. He can get on with his life while playing with the guys he wants to play with.''

That has never been in doubt. Moltzen earned the wrath of the Dragons last year when he agreed to sign a three-year deal, only to opt out of it when the Tigers decided not to grant him a formal release.

The Dragons, who had made Moltzen their marquee signing last year, were so angered by the backflip that they commenced a bitter war of words with the Tigers and the player, and threatened legal action.

While Moltzen, who had remained on contract only until the end of this season, has appeared to suffer from the speculation surrounding his future, having failed to consistently find form this year, there is no doubt on his day he can be a gamebreaker.
\
\
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/once-bitten-twice-shy-moltzen-staying-for-three-more-years-20120705-21k6j.html#ixzz1zmhG7fuH
 
Why would you give him three years when you don't even know what position he will play next year (presuming Tedesco bounces back ok)?
 
@helmesy said:
Why would you give him three years when you don't even know what position he will play next year (presuming Tedesco bounces back ok)?

I'm with you Helmsey. I don't think he is going to have a starting spot unless Siro and Anasta both play 2nd row… which I can't see happening.

Great utility off the bench. But he is too good for that. Brilliant replacement for any halves/FB injuries throughout the year (like he is currently).

I just hope we don't lose Tedessco or Siro over this.
 
@hybrid_tiger said:
God help us.

Early in Marshall's career, going from injury after injury, his form and confidence down, many thought he'd never regain his touch again, some where ready to see the back of him, lucky he stayed. Same will be said with Moltzen in years to come.
\
\
_Posted using RoarFEED 2012_
 
@tigermaniac said:
@hybrid_tiger said:
God help us.

Early in Marshall's career, going from injury after injury, his form and confidence down, many thought he'd never regain his touch again, some where ready to see the back of him, lucky he stayed. Same will be said with Moltzen in years to come.
\
\
_Posted using RoarFEED 2012_

No I don't agree - at best Moltzen is a good first grader - Marshall is a gifted athlete.
 
Personally I'm stoked. I'm confident he'll prove to be a very good player over the next few years. Not sure where he fits into the starting side but he'll be a big part of our future I'm sure.
 
@tigermaniac said:
@hybrid_tiger said:
God help us.

Early in Marshall's career, going from injury after injury, his form and confidence down, many thought he'd never regain his touch again, some where ready to see the back of him, lucky he stayed. Same will be said with Moltzen in years to come.

Please tell me you didn't just compare Benji Marshall with Tim Moltzen? :crazy
 
I can't see the sense in terms of cap management.

If he were playing like a gun fullback I could see the need to extend while Tedesco gets bought along slowly but we have a fair bit of depth across the backline including fullback.

Maybe a one year extension but three makes you wonder.
 
@smeghead said:
I can't see the sense in terms of cap management.

If he were playing like a gun fullback I could see the need to extend while Tedesco gets bought along slowly but we have a fair bit of depth across the backline including fullback.

Maybe a one year extension but three makes you wonder.

Yeah i found the 3 year deal a little excessive for his potential role in the team. I agree with re-signing him as it does cover our bases with Tedesco and his development coming off a long term injury. My thought is that Moltzen now re-signing with us someone has to miss out somewhere. This is where i look at Tuqiri, Utai, Heighnington, Reddy??? We can't keep them all.
 
@Tigerpete said:
@smeghead said:
I can't see the sense in terms of cap management.

If he were playing like a gun fullback I could see the need to extend while Tedesco gets bought along slowly but we have a fair bit of depth across the backline including fullback.

Maybe a one year extension but three makes you wonder.

Yeah i found the 3 year deal a little excessive for his potential role in the team. I agree with re-signing him as it does cover our bases with Tedesco and his development coming off a long term injury. My thought is that Moltzen now re-signing with us someone has to miss out somewhere. This is where i look at Tuqiri, Utai, Heighnington, Reddy??? We can't keep them all.

Well it means the chances of Lote and Utai staying diminish. Reddy and Heighno are still contracted for next year but I reckon that will be the end of them.
 
Good Signing,

We all know he has tons of potential and can play in many positions.

Not every one in the squad is a Benji or a Robbie

Im sure having this contract term will allow him to settle and show us improved performance.
 

Latest posts

Staff online

Back
Top