Cleary tug-of-war frustrates Tigers faithful
Ivan Cleary’s deafening silence about his immediate future has prompted proud Tigers faithful to find their own voice and demand the coach come clean on his plans for next year.
Former Wests Tigers chairman Mike Bailey said he wanted the situation resolved ‘‘as quickly as possible’’, while Balmain great Benny Elias was far less subtle, saying: ‘‘The silence is killing me. It’s wrong.’’
The NRL said this week that the Tigers were on the verge of striking a deal to release Cleary from the final two years of his contract and finalise a long-term deal with Broncos coach Wayne Bennett.
Elias said the issue needed to be brought to a head.
"We’ve got a coach who says he will see out his two years, but the way he said it almost sounded like a jail sentence,’’ Elias said.
‘‘I want someone who says they will be there the next five years and want to build a dynasty. This is the same coach who let three of our best juniors go, and two of them will play for Australia in the test next weekend.
‘‘When I cut I bleed black and gold. The supporters deserve a lot better. I’m not sure the players know what is happening. It’s disgusting.’’
Elias called for the Tigers to part ways with Cleary amid increasing speculation linking him with a return to Penrith. ‘‘[Panthers general manager] Phil Gould is no fool. Penrith are one of the wealthiest clubs, they have one of the greatest training and medical facilities – they are a super club,’’ Elias said.
‘‘Our committee appoints the coach, now it’s time they show some courage and leadership to our people [and cut Cleary loose].’’
Penrith remain confident Cleary will be overseeing day one of preseason training next month, even though he is signed for another two years at the Tigers.
The Tigers maintain Cleary has a contract and he will honour it.