Lessons learnt helped navigate Aloiai departure

Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe says Josh Aloiai's departure is "not a good look for the game" but believes the club emerged from the situation in a strong position. 

Aloiai's intention to gain a release and join Manly with 12 months left remaining on his Wests Tigers deal were clear last month when the Samoan international reportedly said he never wanted to pull on his old club's jersey again.

The Wests Tigers reached a financial compensation agreement with the Sea Eagles earlier this week, with the luring of Joe Ofahengaue from the Broncos considered a direct replacement for Aloiai.

The joint venture was in similar circumstances 12 months ago when Ryan Matterson, a close friend of Aloiai, requested an early release to join the Eels.

"As a club you never want this to be played out in the press and certainly that wasn't our intention," Pascoe said in the club's weekly segment of Ask the Boss.

"The reality is players do ask for early releases. It's not something I personally think is a good part of the game.

"[But] in saying all that we've got a sole responsibility for this club and I've got a sole responsibility as a chair and everyone else who works here, to operate in the best interests of the club.

"We believe by signing a State of Origin forward in Joe Ofahengaue and also having an agreement with Manly in regards to the release of Josh that we've done that.

"We'll move on and we're going to welcome Joe, who will add to our young and dynamic pack."

Wests Tigers officials have been active in the player market over the past fortnight with Ofahengaue's signature and former NSW centre James Roberts adding firepower to the squad, who returned to pre-season training on Monday.

The club has also signed Panthers young gun Daine Laurie from the 2022 season and locked in Shawn Blore on a new deal.

They are now expected to turn their attention to retaining star winger David Nofoaluma.

Nofoaluma, 27, was the club's best player in 2020 but is yet to play finals football after making his NRL debut in 2013 and is a free agent beyond next season.

"We're always working through recruitment and retention," Pascoe said.

"We've still got a few more we're working through."