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Calls on Wests Tigers to drop trio, infringement notices, fitness, Lata Faina, Solomona Faataape, Solomona Saukuru

Posted on by L. Dreeye
Calls on Wests Tigers to drop trio, infringement notices, fitness, Lata Faina, Solomona Faataape, Solomona Saukuru

Rugby League legend Matt Rogers has called on the Tigers to never select three players to lead the board after breach notices were issued for repeatedly failing to meet fitness standards.

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Latu Fainu, Solomon Faataape and Solomon Saukuru will be on the board after their weight and skin folds fell short of expected levels.

The trio’s performance in the 1.6km time trial after returning to training after the off-season was also not up to club standards.

Benji Marshall has a huge task ahead of him to change the club’s culture after three straight wooden spoons and Rodgers believes the Tigers now have no tolerance for unprofessionalism.

“I would be shocked if they wore the Tigers jersey again,” Rodgers told SEN radio.

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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 22: Latu Faina of Wests Tigers celebrates scoring a goal during the NRL Round 25 match between Wests Tigers and Manly Sea Eagles at Leichhardt Oval on August 22, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCauley/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

“They are by no means star players. They are in the top 30 of the last place team and they are ready to train in this form.”

Rodgers believes the Tigers have a chance to put the finishing touches on the statement by terminating the contracts of three players to send a message to an underperforming team that a lack of commitment to the club will no longer be acceptable.

“Personally, if I were Benji Marshall and Shane Richardson, I would just get rid of them,” Rodgers said.

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“Get three guys here who actually want to add value to this place, rather than trying to add value to the place.

“A good club doesn’t work like that. Given the fact that they will have to lead the board, I would be genuinely shocked if they have a career after facing Wests Tigers.

Rodgers has been challenged that young players are allowed to make mistakes, with Faina just 19, Faataape (23) and Saukur (20) all capable of redeeming themselves.

“I have made mistakes, but I will say this: my commitment is that my work can never be questioned,” Rogers said.

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“I ran until I threw up. My commitment: if you were around me, you would know what I mean. I was committed to what I was trying to achieve.

“It was a mistake, it was a long-term mistake.

“For two months you sat on your ass, ate crap food and didn’t train, knowing full well you were going back for pre-season training. No, no, no, this is more than a mistake.