Braith Anasta’s brutal truth bomb for struggling Wests Tigers amid ugly claims around Stefano Utoikamanu’s exit

The debate over whether NRL player wages should be made public has resurfaced, sparked by Wests Tigers’ demand for an explanation from the NRL regarding Stefano Utoikamanu’s move to Melbourne. The Tigers, who finished last in the league, are questioning why Utoikamanu turned down their $4 million, five-year offer in favor of what is believed to be a smaller contract with the Storm. Although there are no accusations of wrongdoing against Melbourne, the Tigers are seeking clarity on the deal within the salary cap guidelines.

Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson expressed disappointment at losing Utoikamanu, acknowledging that the club had made a generous offer, which may have been excessive. However, Utoikamanu opted to join a team he believed had a better chance of winning a premiership, a sentiment the Tigers couldn’t match in his eyes. To enhance transparency in such situations, some have proposed making player salaries public, similar to the NFL in America, where player earnings are fully disclosed each season. However, this idea has met with resistance in Australian sports.

Player agent and NRL 360 host Braith Anasta argues that making salaries public would offer little benefit, as players often accept lower wages to join stronger clubs. He noted that many players choose to stay with their current clubs out of loyalty and passion, even when they could earn more elsewhere. This practice, though surprising to some, is more common than people realize, according to Anasta.

Braith Anasta’s brutal truth bomb for struggling Wests Tigers

Anasta pointed out that the Tigers’ prolonged struggles on the field—potentially facing a third consecutive wooden spoon—along with ongoing off-field issues, are the primary reasons why players might choose to join other clubs for less money. “You look at the Wests Tigers and it’s an absolute basket case,” he said. “If I’m advising a player who’s considering going there, you’d hesitate, and they might end up choosing another club even for a smaller paycheck. That’s just the reality—it’s unfortunate.”

He emphasized that the situation stems from leadership failures and a lack of proper management at the club. “It comes down to leadership, taking care of your club, and setting the right culture and performance standards to prevent this from happening,” Anasta added. “We can talk about salaries and player values, but the fact is, the Tigers have been stuck in a cycle of poor performance for years. Richo (Tigers CEO Shane Richardson) is frustrated, but they have no one else to blame but themselves.”

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