@Geo. said:
Wests Tigers reject Robbie Farah payout bid as rake looks to quit the club
Date November 21, 2015 - 8:48PM
Adrian Proszenko
Adrian Proszenko
Chief Rugby League Reporter
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Wests Tigers boss Justin Pascoe has refused Robbie Farah's demand for a full payout but hopes the parties can move towards a release resolution at a landmark meeting on Sunday.
Farah's manager Sam Ayoub submitted a written request on Friday night for an immediate release and a full payout of the final two years of his contract, worth about $2million.
Pascoe, who is seeking an audience with Farah on Sunday, said he was surprised by the timing of the request given coach Jason Taylor had only days earlier indicated Farah was on track to start the season in first grade.
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"Emphatically, if Robbie was the best hooker – in round one, two, three to 26 – in our organisation, he would be playing in that position in first grade," Pascoe said.
"We received an email last night asking for a release, but we haven't agreed to any terms. The timing is surprising.
"Robbie has been nothing other than professional for the two weeks that he's been back. He's been respectful through the whole process and my belief is that, as an organisation, we've been reciprocal to that. Until terms are agreeable, Robbie remains a contracted player and we expect him to see out all the obligations of that contract."
Pascoe, who shifted into the Wests Tigers hot seat nine weeks ago after a stint at Penrith, said the club would not accede to Ayoub's request to pay out Farah's contract.
"The position of the club is that we'll take on the best interests of the entire organisation and the members, so that won't be happening," he said. "We will entertain any terms that become favourable to the organisation.
"I've reached out to Robbie and asked to meet with him tomorrow. I'd like the opportunity to discuss with him in more detail how he is feeling since this request has come through.
"It's important for me, in any exit interview in any employer-employee relationship, you want to understand why someone wants to exit. It's important for me in my role to get all the facts and get a complete understanding of why he wants to exit."
Farah, 31, who has attracted interest from the Roosters, has been in a tense stand-off with the club since Taylor revealed the NSW rake was not in his long-term plans.
Up until Friday, he had dug in his heels, despite the fact the club had signed Manly's Matt Ballin, who is battling to recover from an ACL injury in time to be fit for the opening round.
Pascoe was adamant Farah and Taylor were capable of putting aside their differences for the good of the team.
"It was certainly my belief that could happen," he said. "We were putting as much support and framework around that to support that."
That included consultant Shane McCurry, a coach and facilitator who had worked with a number of organisations including the AFL and North Melbourne Football Club.
"It's adding another string to the bow, we thought an independent person at this stage was a valuable asset," Pascoe said.
"Having someone of his skill set, capability and experience come to our organisation – which is a very young group across the playing staff, board level, coaching, management and administration – is an investment. He will bring some real value, leadership, culture and innovation in that space."
There is likely to be a period of wrangling between the Tigers and Farah over his payout figure. But given pre-season training is now well under way – and the saga has dragged on for months – both parties will be hoping for a speedy resolution.
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/wests-tigers-reject-robbie-farah-payout-bid-as-rake-looks-to-quit-the-club-20151121-gl4ks8.html#ixzz3sBnXRjvr
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I find it a bit weird that Pascoe needs to have a meeting with Robbie , to find out why he wants to leave. I know he came in here halfway rough all of this.
But does really not know why Farah would want to leave ??
Farahs been saying for months he is staying.
Now he's changed his mind.
It's not that difficult.
Pascoes doing his job… But keep kicking
