Gold Coast Titans ambassador Gorden Tallis has clashed with Ben Dobbin, taking it to the rugby league journalist reside on air over his criticism of the lately re-signed David Fifita.
Touching on Fifita’s extension on Triple M, Tallis accused Dobbin of downplaying the news and steered he would have had a really completely different angle if the 23-year-old had signed with the Broncos or Raiders as a substitute.
Tallis additionally had a difficulty with Dobbin describing Fifita’s performances previously few seasons as “underwhelming”, sparking a three-minute debate between the pair.
Which facet of the talk are you on? Read the total transcript beneath!
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FULL TRANSCRIPT
Tallis: “What did you think of the David Fifita [contract]? Because on your radio show you said you don’t care but if he had signed with the Raiders or Brisbane you would’ve thought, ‘Oh, it’s a big signing’. But if he re-signs with the Titans it’s not a big deal.”
Dobbin: “No, sorry. I think it is a big deal.”
Tallis: “You said it’s not. Do you want me to replay it?”
Dobbin: “We don’t need to go back.”
Tallis: “But you said it’s not a big deal.”
Dobbin: “Mate, I’m about looking forward not looking back. That’s why there’s a windscreen or rear-vision mirror, don’t go back. You’re better than that.”
Tallis: “You’re the one that said it. It was yesterday.”
Dobbin: “I can’t recall that.”
Tallis: “So, it’s not a big deal?”
Dobbin: “I just think his performances over the last few years have been a little bit underwhelming. And that’s honest.”
Tallis: “Why?”
Dobbin: “Because I think when you get a $1 million price tag.”
A passionate Tallis although urged Dobbin to “take the money out of it”, mentioning a $100,000 sacrifice Fifita made that he believes deserves extra of a highlight in discussions on his price ticket.
Tallis: “Take the money out of it.”
Dobbin: “You can’t take the money out of it because that’s what is driving the players. If you took the money out of it and put everybody on the same amount of money, then you can have that conversation. But he went there because he got a ridiculous offer that was $1.2 million and I don’t think he’s performed.”
Tallis: “People think you’re on ridiculous money.”
Dobbin: “Well they can, I probably am. But I perform.”
Tallis: “The deal that Brisbane offered him, the first time he went to the Titans, I think the Dogs offered him the most money. This is what I get a bit annoyed [about]. He knocked back money to go to the Titans. He knocked back about $100,000. That’s a lot of money.”
Dobbin: “You’re right, that is a lot of money.”
Tallis: “In today’s world that is a lot of money for someone. So, he knocked back money and they keep on talking about the money and everyone that writes about the money don’t knock back money.”
Dobbin: “Yeah that’s true.”
Tallis: “The same with Luke Brooks. He didn’t go to the Tigers and hold a gun to their head. They gave him the money and everybody talks about it. Is he worth it? That’s the salary cap.”
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Dobbin although disagreed, claiming gamers like Fifita must “play to your worth” however Tallis argued the 23-year-old solely has to play to his capability and that may be notably tough if the gamers round you aren’t performing.
Dobbin: “You’ve got to play to your worth.”
Tallis: “No, you’ve got to go and play to your ability. What someone pays you is what they pay you. You’ve got to try your best and be the best David and I think at times he is. He needs help. Basically, if you understand football and the people that write this don’t, as a backrower you need someone giving you good service. You need great service. He has just blown sides away with his own brute and now there’s four or five guys. There’s more guys tackling him than any other player in the game and no one in front of him could see a gap and go through. Kieran Foran, first play he goes, ‘I’m straightening you up’, he comes on the loop, straightened the bloke in front of him, Adam Doueihi, a good defender, got hooked on him and Dave [Nofoaluma] runs past him, didn’t want to get in his way. Once you get someone that can deliver you better service. Dave has had to pick it up from dummy-half and go himself and on every tip sheet, guarantee you, Dave Fifita because he’s not a great passer, everybody got into him. He had no help. So when people were looking at Dave, people were looking at the wrong thing. They were looking at the people that were supposed to pass to Dave. Kikau was good. How’s Kikau going from the Dogs with no service?”
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Dobbin: “One game doesn’t sum it up.”
Tallis: “No, answer that question. How is Kikau going now without the great service he had at Penrith?”
Dobbin: “Well I don’t think Burton is a bad footballer.”
Tallis: “How did he go on the weekend?”
Dobbin: “He had a lesser game than he normally does.”
Tallis: “Right, so he’s going to have to learn a different style. He’s not going to get in the same slots. He’s not going to get the same service. I think Kikau is wonderful. I think the backrowers in our game at the moment have taken their game to another level. Olakau’atu, you’ve got Kikau. You’ve got these guys, the way they play it’s like mind-blowing. So watch Kikau this year with the service he doesn’t get from his halves.”
Source: www.foxsports.com.au