NRL transfers: Moses Mbye wants early exit from West Tigers contract

Moses Mbye wants to join one of West Tigers’ NRL rivals from 2022, demanding an early exit from his current contract.

Moses Mbye (left) wants an early exit from his West Tigers deal.

Wests Tigers utility Moses Mbye has asked the club for an early exit opening the door for the ex-skipper to be released a year early from his lucrative deal.

Mbye formally requested permission from the Tigers on Wednesday afternoon to speak with rival clubs for 2022. The utility is contracted to the club until the end of next year.

Tigers boss Justin Pascoe confirmed Mbye had been granted permission to look elsewhere.

“We have had discussions with Moses for the last couple of days,” Pascoe said.

“We have been completely transparent with him as he has with us. Moses asked today for permission to discuss with other clubs his options for 2022 and beyond. Both Moses and ourselves are committed to the 2021 season. Not only do we believe we’re developing something special, Moses also believes in the club.

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“We have granted him permission to discuss his playing future with another club and explore other options for the 2022 season.”

Mbye is on a rich deal at the club worth about $800,000 next season. The Tigers may have to contribute about half of that for Mbye to play elsewhere.

His on-field time has been restricted this year after being demoted to the bench. He also stepped away from the captaincy during the off-season before being replaced by new recruit James Tamou.

Pascoe said if a suitable agreement is not reached, Mbye would fulfil the final year of his deal at the club.

“The expectation and knowing Moses as an individual, he will be completely committed to the playing group, coaching staff and fans,” Pascoe said. “As discussions eventuate, we will explore those discussions and make a decision when we are presented with an opportunity to consider.

Moses Mbye would stay at Wests Tigers if he could not find a deal elsewhere.

“Moses through discussions with myself and our head of football (Adam Hartigan) indicated he has zero angst towards the club. He is happy and believes where the club is going. This is based on him trying to explore an opportunity to further his career.

“He has been playing as a utility player off the bench. Like any athlete, Moses wants to be getting as much game time as possible. If an opportunity doesn’t present itself for 2022 elsewhere, both parties will honour the contract and are committed to that.”

Mbye joined the Tigers on a four-and-a-half year deal midway through 2018 after bursting onto the scene at the Bulldogs. He played three games for Queensland in 2019.

The Tigers have been linked with a move to sign Jackson Hastings for 2022.