Tigers chair Lee Hagipantelis feels for Josh Reynolds and Russell Packer

Wests Tigers chair Lee Hagipantelis has spoken of his empathy for underfire pair Josh Reynolds and Russell Packer.

Front-rower Russell Packer is on the outer at Wests Tigers.

Josh Reynolds and Russell Packer were in the eye of a storm on Monday but Wests Tigers chair Lee Hagipantelis was in a far more forgiving mood as he spoke of his empathy for the pair amid constant speculation that they are unwanted at the club.

Reynolds and Packer are believed to be free to leave the Tigers, having seemingly become superfluous to requirements as the club attempts to get its salary cap into shape.

The pair have been in the headlines again this week after leaving Lottoland at halftime on Saturday night, a decision that they both acknowledged was misguided during talks with Hagipantelis, chief executive Justin Pascoe and head of football Adam Hartigan on Monday afternoon.

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Hagipantelis confirmed the pair made it clear that they had no intention to disrespect the club or the players, and were apologetic for their actions. He will send the board a summary of the talks with the players, but the expectation is that they will face no further sanctions.

Of more concern for Hagipantelis is the constant talk about the futures of the respective pair, who are both on big-money deals but struggling to make an impact.

“From my position it is extremely difficult and unfair because they are two senior members of that group and I would really love to see them perform,” Hagipantelis said.

“I would love to see both of them on the paddock because I think they have a lot to offer the club. I do feel for them because like all of us they wake up every day and read in the press their names constantly being bandied about as being shopped around.

“That has to be dispiriting for anyone. They have a lot to offer — they are seasoned and experienced players. Russell is a Kiwi Test player, Josh is a State of Origin player.

“I would love to see them fulfil their contracts and play as well as they can.

“So I do feel for players like Russell and Josh, having to constantly read about themselves in the paper that they have had the colloquial tap on the shoulder, or are being moved on, or hearing complaints that they are not producing for the salary they are on.”

Josh Reynolds has acknowledged he was wrong to leave the Tigers’ match against Manly early. Picture: Brett Costello

Reynolds and Packer were no doubt galled at sitting on the sidelines on Saturday night while the club struggled in the opening half against the Sea Eagles, their frustration seemingly prompting the pair to make their exit and miss one of the club’s greatest comebacks.

The Tigers have no hard and fast rules on squad members attending games, but both acknowledged they had erred. Their futures remain up in the air, neither currently part of coach Michael Maguire’s plans. Maguire, however, doesn’t have carte blanche to reshape his squad.

“No, we have a football committee of which Madge (Maguire) is part,” Hagipantelis said.

“The football committee makes recommendations to the board and the board endorses those recommendations or otherwise.

“But a lot of faith and weight is put in the coach of course because the coach has a valid argument, which is if I don’t get the team I want, how can I be judged on the results.

“You have to have faith in your coach of course, you have to back him. But it is not unfettered, unlimited authority.”