Former Wests Tigers ahead Joe Ofahengaue has opened up on his departure from the membership, revealing he by no means needed to go away however was pressured out simply months right into a three-year deal.
The Tongan worldwide has settled in properly on the Eels nevertheless it’s overseas territory for a person who simply final yr gained the Kelly-Barnes Medal as one of the best participant on the Tigers.
The former Bronco – who wasn’t completely happy at that membership both – collected the award hours after he inked a brand new deal to remain on the membership as a result of he might see a brilliant future regardless of the Tigers claiming the wood spoon in 2022.
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“I don’t want to go too far into details, but everyone knows I didn’t want to leave that club. Sometimes you’ve just got to read the room. I just put my best foot forward and backed myself to come here,” Ofahengaue stated.
“I don’t think it was that hard when it wasn’t really my choice.
“Everyone knows how passionate I was about that club. I signed three years for a reason because I wanted to stay there to be a part of the changes that were going to come. Things changed, and what happened was out of my control.
“It was a no-brainer for me to come to a club that really wanted me. I’m so grateful that I get to experience this locker room.”
The choice to launch Ofahengaue was an odd one given he supplied invaluable expertise to a ahead pack filled with rising stars who regarded as much as him.
It’s why there have been emotional scenes at Leichhardt Oval when he crashed over for a attempt in his last recreation for the membership earlier than making the transfer to Parramatta.
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“I felt for my mates because they didn’t deserve for me to leave halfway through the year. I didn’t think I deserved that either, but sometimes you can’t control things,” he stated.
“I’m just glad that the club wanted me here and that allowed me to bring a positive out of it.”
It’s been a busy few weeks for Ofahengaue, who was rushed into the Eels beginning aspect to tackle the Cowboys simply days after he’d performed towards them as a Tiger however lasted simply 10 minutes in his Eels debut earlier than he injured his calf.
He’s again to full health now and punched out half-hour off the bench within the large win over Manly, though he admits he nonetheless must be taught the workforce track.
“I’m just glad I got to play more than 10 minutes,” he stated, paying tribute to Eels coach Brad Arthur for believing in him.
“My first game was disappointing because I came off early with an injury.
“I’ve been around long enough to know that things just happen and you can’t control everything, but I promised Brad that I’d do everything I could to get back as quickly as possible.
“I was happy to get through a good chunk of the second half because I wanted to get through some work and test out the calf.”
Source: www.foxsports.com.au