Josh Aloiai says Wests Tigers’ response to his departure was ‘immature’

Manly forward Josh Aloiai has forgotten the comments of the club hierarchy as he discusses his decision to leave the Wests Tigers.

Manly prop Josh Aloiai during a weights training session at the Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation in North Narrabeen. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Josh Aloiai bit his tongue for the best part of 10 minutes. He spoke about his admiration for Wests Tigers fans. He praised Tigers coach Michael Maguire. He talked about his love for his former teammates.

When it came to the Tigers hierarchy, Aloiai couldn’t resist one parting shot. In particular, in the direction of chairman Lee Hagipantelis.

When Aloiai was at war with the Tigers, attempting to force through a move to Manly, Hagipantelis warned he would make him honour his contract by cutting the grass at Leichhardt Oval and painting the sheds at Concord Oval.

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After a protracted and painful battle, Aloiai eventually got the release he so desperately craved. On Monday afternoon, kitted out in his Sea Eagles training gear, Aloiai broke his silence on his decision to switch clubs, the enmity that it created and his thoughts on Hagipantelis’ threat.

“It was immature,” Aloiai said. “It didn’t help. It fuelled the furnace and gave a lot of people ammo. I’m really happy with the way I went out. I got to keep my integrity the way I went out, I chose not to get into a media battle, which I could have won … people can have their opinions of me, but I ask they make wise conclusions.

“It was difficult. I took a long time to think about how I wanted to leave. I knew this (silent) approach would not get me a pat on my back.”

Asked what he would say should he run into Hagipantelis or Tigers chief executive Justin Pascoe — Manly and the Tigers play a trial before the premiership begins — Aloiai said: “It is actually a really good question. I personally would be man enough to be civil.

“I’m pretty happy with the way I left. I played nearly 100 games for the Tigers and gave a lot of my life to the club. I just want to trust the fans and everyone who really knows me will make the right judgment call on what kind of person I am.”

Hagipantelis had no desire to get into a war of words with Aloiai on Monday.

“I am very sorry that Josh feels aggrieved but I am very comfortable with the way in which the club dealt with the issue,” Hagipantelis said.

“I wish Josh all the very best in his future endeavours and I don’t propose to make any further comment on the matter.”

While Aloiai did his best not to criticise the Tigers, he did clear up some inaccuracies relating to his move to Manly. He insists he did not leave for money. He denied his move was part of a larger powerplay that allowed his manager Tyran Smith to move Addin Fonua-Blake to the Warriors. Having dealt with the past, he can no focus solely on the future.

“I am confident that here at Manly we will play finals football,” Aloiai said.

“I do think Madge (Maguire) is a good coach. He played a big part in my development. He is a good coach so don’t get me wrong.

“You have to make that decision you think is best for your career and family. I am not too bothered on trying to clear my name or justify myself to a whole lot of people who don’t know me.

“Lot of people say I am replacing Addin. Addin left and I came. Des (Hasler) knows what kind of player I am and I don’t think they are after another Addin.

“They need the best Josh — the Josh that is fit, the Josh that is aggressive, the Josh that enforces. That is the Josh I am bringing.”