More change at Wests Tigers as assistant coach Rod Reddy leaves NRL club
Date October 15, 2015 - 10:00PM 32 reading now
Adrian Proszenko
Chief Rugby League Reporter
Wests Tigers have parted company with assistant coach Rod Reddy as Jason Taylor continues the cleanout of the club on and off the field. Reddy, a former Dragons and Steelers backrower who represented Australia in 17 Tests, has been part of the Tigers staff in recent seasons. However, the veteran official is part of an exodus that includes National Youth Competition coach Brett Kimmorley, fellow assistant Matt Cameron, NSW Cup coach Paul Fletcher and at least a dozen players deemed surplus to requirements.
Former South Sydney halfback Willie Peters, who has enjoyed success again with the Rabbitohs coaching in the lower grades, will be appointed as the NYC coach. Taylor's former Parramatta teammate, Paul Stringer, will join the staff in a role likely to cover some NSW Cup and NRL work.
"We're looking at a restructure of our coaching staff comes together," Taylor said. "With some adjustments in NSW Cup going forward and where the NYC competition fits, we felt we wanted to be on top of things there. "It's important we get it right."
The Tigers are turning over a large percentage of their playing roster, with departees including Keith Galloway, Pat Richards, Matthew Lodge, Keith Lulia, Joel Luani, Kurtis Rowe, Sitaleki Akauola, Brendan Santi, Te Maire Martin and Shannon McDonnell. Several other contracted players, including centre Chris Lawrence, have been told they are free to negotiate with other clubs.
A question mark remains over the future of captain Robbie Farah, who has been granted permission to negotiate with other clubs despite having two years to run on his $950,000-per-season contract.
However, one Tigers stalwart staying put is Dene Halatau. The former New Zealand international is off contract and the club is squeezed for salary cap space but the Tigers are keen to extend his second stint at the joint-venture outfit and the parties are close to finalising a one-year extension.
The club also recently announced the addition of forward Rod Griffin and William McConnachie, as well as the re-signing of Jack Buchanan.
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/more-change-at-wests-tigers-as-assistant-coach-rod-reddy-leaves-nrl-club-20151015-gkaclt.html#ixzz3oddlx6MO
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