Wests Tigers torched over player exits as Tallyn Da Silva defection confirmed

The Wests Tigers have been slammed over yet another young gun’s exit amid rumours involving Jarome Luai and Benji Marshall.

The Wests Tigers have been heavily criticised for their inability to retain talented young players following the departure of back-up hooker Tallyn Da Silva to Parramatta.

Da Silva had been contracted at the Tigers until the end of 2026, but like Lachlan Galvin, the 20-year-old has left the Tigers with 18 months left on his deal.

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On Monday the Eels confirmed they had signed Da Silva effective immediately until the end of the 2029 season in a coup for coach Jason Ryles as he rebuilds Parramatta’s roster.

Da Silva’s departure is the latest blow for the Tigers, who sit 14th on the NRL ladder and are desperate to avoid a fourth wooden spoon in a row.

On NRL 360, veteran reporter Phil Rothfield said the list of promising young players to leave the Tigers was a damning indictment on the club.

“I’ll name some players,” Rothfield said.

“Galvin, Da Silva, (Stefano) Utoikamanu, Shawn Blore, there was a schoolboy there — Onitoni Large.

Tallyn Da Silva has left the Tigers for the Eels.

“He broke his contract to get out of that club. Why have five outstanding young players in the last 12 months, all wanted out of the Wests Tigers? Five outstanding young footballers have walked out of their club.

“Have they given up on this season? What happens if Api gets hurt? Their two best youngsters have left that club.

“I have spoken to a lot of very good judges in the game who rate him very highly. That’s why Manly, Newcastle and Parramatta wanted him.”

Brent Read responded: “He (Da Silva) is far from the finished product right now. He’s a few years off. Api helps them win footy games.

“They were assured by Tallyn Da Silva and his parents that Tallyn wanted to stay at the club, but if Api re-signed, he would leave. Richo (Tigers boss Shane Richardson) was assured by his family that Tallyn’s preference was to stay at the Tigers and be there long term.”

Tallyn Da Silva was the back-up No. 9 at the Tigers.

Playmaker Onitoni Large left the Tigers for Manly. Picture by Max Mason-Hubers

Da Silva was behind Api Koroisau in the pecking order at the Tigers, but Rothfield said the Tigers should have been able to get Da Silva to at least see out his contract, highlighting the fact the Raiders and Broncos have several back-up hookers on their roster.

“The Canberra Raiders are leading the comp. They’ve got a kid called Owen Pattie, really good hooker but can’t break into that first grade side, because (Tom) Starling is outstanding and they’ve even signed (Jayden) Brailey from Newcastle.

“He’s happy prepared to buy into that system.

“How many hookers do the Broncos have? Are any of them lining up to get out now?

Read hit back: “Corey Paix doesn't have a contract for next year, so some of them are going.”

Wests Tigers hooker Apisai Koroisau. Photo Jeremy Piper

Benji Marshall is in the hot seat. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images)

Rothfield also hinted an inner “circle” of Benji Marshall and co-captains Api Koroisau and Jarome Luai may have left some players feeling disgruntled.

“Have you heard the story that Jarome Luai and Api Koroisau are so tight with Benji Marshall — they’ve got that little circle of three — and there’s a lot of younger players that don’t feel part of that outfit.

“You know that was the situation with Galvin. I’m wondering if it had anything to do with these fellas as well.

Read said “I know Galvin felt a little bit locked out once they established this big three at the club.”

Rothfield concluded: “You know how highly regarded Onitoni Large is. He’s the best schoolboy half going around. He didn’t want a bar of the joint. I just think it’s such a bad look when so much young talent all go.”

Read said: “I think Benji wanted Api and the club backed their coach.”

The Tigers take on the Roosters on Sunday in round 16 and will be desperate to get a sixth win of the year.

“I hope Benji does finish strong,” Rothfield said.

“I think if they run last he’ll probably loseTig his job. There are other people around like Willie Peters, who is breaking records over at Hull. He’s coached at Newcastle and Souths and he’s close to Shane Richardson.

“If they run last or even second last, they’ll have to look at other options — not just for the way the football side is playing. That club needs to create an environment where people like Tallyn Da Silva and Lachlan Galvin want to play footy for the rest of their careers.”

NRL 360 host Braith Anasta added: “Amongst this drama and six losses in a row, they have got better. They are a much better team. But the next couple of months are critical.”

Originally published as Wests Tigers torched over player exits as Tallyn Da Silva defection confirmed