NRL Market Watch: Joe Ofahengaue joins Parramatta after Wests Tigers release
The Eels have rushed fresh recruit Joe Ofahengaue straight into their starting front-row after he was formally released by the Wests Tigers.
The protracted release was finalised at 3.59pm - one minute prior to the NRL’s official cut-off for team selections on Tuesday.
Parramatta were seething by the delay in the process after Ofahengaue agreed to terms on a two-and-a-half year deal with the Eels last Wednesday.
Parramatta had intended to play Ofahengaue last weekend.
However, Ofahengaue was told by Tigers officials he wasn’t allowed to leave until playing one final game, against the Cowboys last Saturday night.
The deal went through just in time for Eels coach Brad Arthur to select Ofahengaue in the front-row, coincidentally, against the Cowboys at CommBank Stadium on Friday night.
Joe is a timely addition to the Eels’ squad, considering the injury status of some of our key forwards,’’ Eels Head of Football Mark O’Neill said.
“His power game will suit our style of football, his NRL and Origin experience will be valuable for some of our emerging forwards and his character will be great for the overall culture of the club.
“We all look forward to welcoming him and his family to the club.”
The Tigers intend to use money saved from releasing Ofahengaue to target key recruits. The club has been linked to Knights forward Tyson Frizell, while re-signing Luke Brooks has also been discussed.
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Scumbag moove by tigers, I would make a play for tyson frizell and force them to pay overs.
Lol offer Frizell 700k a year, Tigers for sure will pounce on 800 or thousand.
Lol Don't see why not, if he signs he takes daveys spot. If he doesn't tiger are forced to pay overs.
Tigers are such a poorly managed club. Their Chairman is a walking ego and their CEO is a punchline.
I noticed their Chairman pounced on their recent big win saying it vindicated the direction of the club. I wonder what their next big loss vindicates? Chairmen should be seen and not heard.
Yeah agree mutt, and whats happened to Sheens?!!
He's off his rocker these days, loses his cool, is very reactionary and almost childish in pressers, especially around the Brooks situation.
I reckon we are seeing a big mental decline with Sheens, hes not fit to be a 1st grade coach imo, he's got too loose up top, that shit rubs off on a team.
Re-signing Luke Brooks...lol they will never learn.
Meeik, just wait. Under benji Brooks will play origin
Only thing he'll be playing with is ur testicles Chief.
In Brooks defence , he's been pretty good since we played him into form. I still think in a decent club Brooks could've been anything. A club could do much worse than to pick him up for unders.
on another note , did anyone see Penny Wong has gotten herself into strife ?
LOL, I love how you were able to link those two threads together...