Former Wests Tigers utility Joey Leilua has come out swinging following his exit from the club this week.
Having previously earned around $850,000 with his last contract at the club, Leilua, according to The Daily Telegraph, was offered just a $1000 a week train-and-trial deal to stay a Tiger for season 2021.
As a result, he reportedly knocked back the offer and will instead potentially make a move to American rugby union or continue his league career in the UK.
While The Telegraph reported Leilua was offered a train and trial deal, the Samoan international took to social media to accuse the report of lying.
“This is another lie,” Leilua wrote on Instagram.
“Never got offered to go there for a train and trial.
“Get your facts right!
“Btw I wouldn’t play for someone that blames the team all the time! And not once himself! #Madge.”
Having slammed coach Michael Maguire for blaming the team for poor results, The Telegraph’s David Riccio says it’s “unfair” for one player to act like the same sentiment is felt throughout the entire playing group.
“Another thing I’ll say about Joey is and the Wests Tigers situation is the club knew what they were getting in for,” Riccio said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“Anyone that knows anything about Joey Leilua is that they know the history of his fall-outs with other clubs.
“So, I would argue that the Tigers wouldn’t be surprised that Joey has had a shot on his way out.
“I don’t think it’s fair on Michael Maguire that one player holds the entire sentiment of the playing group.
“It is one player, and the Tigers bought him, knew what they were getting in for, here’s what they got.”
As it stands, the 29-year-old will be unemployed from November 1 this year.