NRL 2023: Wests Tigers part ways with cult hero trainer Ronnie Palmer | Saint, Sinner, Shoosh
For the first time in over 50 years, renowned strength and conditioning coach Ronnie Palmer won’t feature in an NRL club’s pre-season after being shown the door by the Wests Tigers.
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One of the game’s great characters and most recognisable faces Ronnie Palmer will not feature in a club’s pre-season for the first time in more than 50 years after being let go by Wests Tigers.
Palmer has been a permanent fixture across rugby league clubs since embarking on his first season as a player for the Balmain Tigers back in 1971.
He was told of his shock departure last Friday.
“I feel quite a bit lost,” Palmer said.
“I haven’t been in this situation since I was 21.
“The Tigers told me they weren’t going to renew my contract. These things happen and you have to move on. I feel a little bit let down but you have to cop these things and move on. There’s no sour grapes here.”
After playing 35 games for Balmain, Palmer transitioned into becoming one of rugby league’s pioneering strength and conditioning coaches.
He spent 24 years at the Sydney Roosters before bouncing around Gold Coast, Penrith, Parramatta and, more recently, a homecoming at the Tigers.
He also spent many an Origin campaign over that time as the NSW Blues’ head trainer.
Palmer joined the Tigers ahead of the 2018 season to again assist Ivan Cleary — who he had worked with at the Panthers.
This year he worked in the Tigers’ pathways system and with the NRLW side.
Palmer is adamant he still has plenty to offer an NRL side and has put his hand up to continue his career.
“I know that I have a lot to offer,” Palmer said. “I would still love to be involved. It gets a bit difficult. When you get a bit older they shuffle you along. The old horse is out on the long yard. I know that I’ve got a lot to offer. You just have to try and convince a club of that.”
SAINT
Gus Worland has been nominated for Australian of the Year. Worland does great things for positive mental health after starting the Gotcha4Life Foundation.
SINNER
Bangladesh who allowed for Sri Lanka’s Angelo Matthews to be the first player timed out in an international match. Matthews was at the crease to bat but the chinstrap of his helmet broke. It was a poor look.
SHOOSH I
Which NRL player gave up a contract with a Sydney club to chase romance and relocate north to Queensland?
SHOOSH II
Which high profile star from an out-of-Sydney team is missing the big city and may seek an early exit to return home?
SHOOSH III
The NRL has splashed out big cash in recent years to build a much-needed asset base. Expect the governing body to make another big purchase to help future-proof the game.
SPOTTED I
Former Manchester City and England star Jack Rodwell — now at Sydney FC — having breakfast with his wife Alana Licate at the flash new Bianchini’s cafe in Cronulla on Wednesday.
SPOTTED II
New Bulldog Stephen Crichton adjusting to life in the inner west by shopping at Ashfield Mall.
SPOTTED III
Former Dragons coach Anthony Griffin carrying the groceries at Castle Hill shops.
SPOTTED IV
Manly Sea Eagles forward Matt Lodge holidaying on the party island of Ibiza.
SPOTTED V
Aussie tennis legend Sam Stosur shopping at Pacific Fair on the Gold Coast.
SPOTTED VI
Recently married former NSW forward Nathan Brown at Grappa in Leichhardt. Wests Tigers star Adam Doueihi was also seen dining there.
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