Alex Johnston reveals why Wests Tigers missed out on his signature
Tigers coach Michael Maguire has shown the door to eight players as he overhauls the club’s roster but one player who won’t be at Concord next season is Alex Johnston. The Rabbitohs flyer has explained why.
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South Sydney flyer Alex Johnston has revealed why the Wests Tigers missed out on the try-scoring machine’s signature for season 2021.
Johnston made the revelation as eight players departed the Tigers this week as part of coach Micahel Maguire’s roster re-build.
On the lookout for a new home for next season, Johnston entertained two serious offers from Melbourne and the Tigers.
Johnston, who was desperate to stay in Sydney, said he was “days” from inking a deal with the Concord club.
But in the end, the Tigers offer did not match what the Storm or even South Sydney had offered.
“I don’t want to say too much about what went on but the Tigers deal was not as high as the other clubs,” Johnston said.
“It’s weird to think about it, I gave myself every chance to try and stay in Sydney and stay with Souths, I was just lucky it came through.”
In June, Johnston was resigned to leaving the Rabbitohs after being informed the club had no salary cap space to re-sign him for season 2021 and beyond.
But the two parties managed to find common ground and Johnston extended his time at Redfern until the season of season 2022.
The winger also finished the regular season as the game’s top try-scorer, finishing with 20 tries after crossing for an incredible five four-pointers against Sydney Roosters last Friday night.
Meanwhile, the 2020 NRL season has only just finished for the bottom eight sides but they’re already making moves for next year’s campaign.
And it’s bad news for a host of players whose NRL futures are up in the air after being told they’re not wanted by their current clubs. Canterbury kicked off the clean-outs last week when eight players were told their services are not required beyond this year.
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After missing out on the finals series for the ninth straight year, the Wests Tigers have made similar moves with eight players departing the Concord club this week.
Check out who has left your NRL club.
WESTS TIGERS
Who’s left: Benji Marshall, Chris Lawrence (retired), Elijah Taylor, Matt Eisenhuth, Dylan Smith, Robert Jennings, Oliver Clark, Harry Grant (loan)
Analysis: The farewell of Benji Marshall and retirement of stalwart Chris Lawrence dominated the headlines last week but behind the scenes another five players were released to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
Two non-Sydney clubs have expressed preliminary interest in Marshall, who is keen to play on in season 2021.
Coach Michael Maguire has also opted not to re-sign utility forward Elijah Taylor, who revealed his management had been in talks with rivals in the hope of securing a deal next season.
Since making his debut in 2017, Eisenhuth has played 70 games in Tigers colours but like Taylor is not part of Maguire’s plans moving forward.
Outside back Robert Jennings is also on the look out for a new home after he was cut from Maguire’s 30-man roster.
Boom hooker Harry Grant, who was on loan from Melbourne, will re-join the Storm.
The moves open the door for the club to hit the player market.
Melbourne flyer Josh Addo-Carr remains a recruitment priority but it’s understood Canberra’s Jordan Rapana is now also on the club’s radar.
It’s expected four development players including talented hooker, Jake Simpkin, will be upgraded into the top 30 roster for season 2021.
CANTERBURY BULLDOGS
Who’s left: Kieran Foran, Aiden Tolman, Marcelo Montoya, Jesse Sue, Kerrod, Holland (retired), Jack Cogger, Isaiah Tass
Analysis: Last week, the Bulldogs announced eight players — including Kieran Foran, Aiden Tolman and Marcelo Montoya — were leaving the club at the end of the season.
The roster overhaul has opened the door for the incoming coach to target not only the game’s brightest prospects like Melbourne’s Brandon Smith and Penrith’s Matt Burton but more experienced players like Benji Marshall.
With Foran leaving and new recruit Blake Green (ACL) unlikely to be available for the opening rounds of the season, Marshall could be a potential suitor for a club that could do with an experienced playmaker to help guide its stable of young halves - Jake Averillo, Brandon Wakeham and Lachlan Lewis - in season 2021.
New club sponsor and pub baron Arthur Laundy told The Daily Telegraph he has his sights set on Penrith back Charlie Staines and halfback Burton. Laundy is expected to make a 900km road trip to personally visit Staines’ family in Forbes and Burton’s family in Dubbo, to help get the respective deals across the line.
Originally published as Alex Johnston reveals why Wests Tigers missed out on his signature
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