Time to hang 'em up Toddy

[crouching_tiger]

I have heard close reports that Payten is really struggling. His body and injuries are not holding up to the weekly grind of the NRL.
Personally i think Todd is one of the greatest ambassadors for the WestsTigers on and off the field. He gives 150% every time he has laced his boots up and lead the charge from the front. He has been extremely inspirational for the youngsters coming through the ranks and taught them plenty which will be valuable for their careers.
He has done Temora and the Tigers proud with his no-nonsense type of game.
As much as i hate to say it, i think it may be time for Rodney to consider his future or perhaps accept the "retirement package" and do a stint in the SuperLeague.

Do you think Toddy has more left in the tank??

 

[Chris]

I said last year he should have retired this year and was flamed for it.

 

[happy_tiger]

Still very important player to have off the bench even if they don't play him every week

 

[tig_prmz]

I haven't had the opportunity to look at him closely, but I was really impressed with him in the finals (esp. Roosters). He seems like a big match player. If CT says his body is not holding up, then he should take a rest for several weeks. His experience is invaluable and you need it during the business end of the season.

Taking opportunity off people like Woods, Fifita, Dwyer, BMM etc. to fit Toddy in would be stupid IMO. If our young forwards start to tire out near the end, then it's time for Payten to step up.

IDK how good as a prop he was in his peak days, but right now I'm going by his defensive reads and one-on-one tackles along with experience that make him so valuable. Him and Gibbs IMO MUST be there in the finalls (if we make it???) to give us a chance.

 

[king_sirro]

I see no need to rush any decision here. He's with us now and we cant use his money for this year on someone else, so i say we try and get as much out of him as possible when he's fit and then he can retire at seasons end.

 

[IronTiger]

He is contracted until end of 2012 and then has an agreement with the club to stay on in a coaching capacity like Skando. He see's his future in coaching.

 

[Guest]

I would be suggesting he call it a day at the end of this season. I understand he has a chronic problem with his knee, similar to Dean Young and it severely hampers his ability to train during the week. With the signing of Adam Blair hopefully not too far away, and the emergence of Aaron Woods and Ben Murdoch Masila this season, I think it would be wise and prudent for Toddy to consider retirement, as much as for his own physical health as for the opportunity it would present for the young giants coming through the Tigers ranks.

While he is contracted for next season, his body may not make it that far which has to be a consideration.

 

[steve-o]

he looked well and truly off the pace earlier in the season and it was clear that he was struggling with injuries and his fitness. if we get blair, id prefer toddy to retire than lose an up n comer like fifita woods dwyer etc

 

[Peaches]

Toddy is an important player but players do tend to fall away very quickly in the modern game when their body starts to really let them down. Only he himself knows whether its his body or form.

 

[Tiger_Watto]

I've been pondering this for a couple of weeks now… I've seen him twice this year and I really feel he is also struggling on the field. Todd has been a great leader for the Tigers and it was evident last year how important he is too our defensive structure. With that being said, and while most of you have mentioned the likes of Woods & BMM, I reckon by the end of the year Begovich will also be pushing for a bench spot.

We have a great future at the Tigers and are well positioned with talent coming through in the forwards stocks. Like King Sirro mentioned, lets see how he goes throughout the year and if he improves, I'm sure Todd could still play an important role in 2011... As for 2012, I cant see it happening.

 

[westTAHger]

Toddy is an important player but players do tend to fall away very quickly in the modern game when their body starts to really let them down. Only he himself knows whether its his body or form.

I agree.
He may not have the confidence in his injury.
we know he is good for wests-tigers, :sign: but you only have a limited time playing.
the tough decision would be, to retire when you are still going well, or keep playing and there is a 50/50 chance that you could keep playing too long, and become in effective on the field.

when he does call it a day, no doubt he will get a rousing reception in a lap of honour, and deservedly so.

 

[LCA]

I trust Todd to make the best decision for himself and the club and I think the club should look after him, rather than force his decision one way or another. He deserves nothing less than that.

 

[851]

he looked well and truly off the pace earlier in the season and it was clear that he was struggling with injuries and his fitness. if we get blair, id prefer toddy to retire than lose an up n comer like fifita woods dwyer etc

I agree

 

[claws]

Todd Payten projects an image of a person NOT of self interest and of total loyalty, therefore, he knows and will determine when the time is right. He deserves our respect as a professional footballer and person. Thread stinks.

 

[tiger05]

There is a lot of speculation on this thread. He might be getting past it but he might not want to give up the dollars.

 

[galea_11]

i have all faith in sheensy and todd to make the right decisions on how to get the most out of him it looks like 2012 would be a big ask . Would love to see him used mainly in the backend of season then go from there . Some blokes you stick by and just as a senior player i want him in ther teaching other props how to tackle low like he does when he hits low they drop its so rare for props

 

[sjtiger]

If he wants to get into coaching, which he has personally stated many times, what chance he is put on a role similar to Skando for 2011\. ie: $1 contract and play if numerous injuries to forwards in 2012.

 

[clontarfkid]

There is a lot of speculation on this thread. He might be getting past it but he might not want to give up the dollars.

Frankly he should never have been signed beyond 2011 given his age & the position he plays..it was inevitable Todd wld pass his best-by date.
But we are where we are,& it wld be unreasonable to expect Todd to walk away from his $300k or so next yr.
Not his fault in any way,but the real issue is it may well cost the retention of one (or more)of the young rising forwards,particularly if Blair is on board
I think Humphries will learn from this experience,even if Sheens doesnt

 

[cunno]

All this speculation!! Let Toddy's form do the talking there is still plenty of time left in this season.

 

[Leroy_The_Tigers_Fan]

I agree with Cunno, Todd has been with us since 2004 so he's just not going to go around for the sake of the $$$$, Todd plays in the prelim in 2010 against the Rorters and we win.
Not every player can go through their career injury free, especially when they are nearing the end of their career, Todd is an essentianl part of our 2011 campaign so don't try AND pension him off as he has so much to offer to our younger brigade whether he makes it back on the field or not.
I would suggest to the doubters that they purchase a copy of 'Brothers Forever' to read just what the Tigers mean to Todd, don't ever ever doubt his committment and courage for the Tigers.