That's devastating for Wests.
Since Taylor took over they've lost...
Blake Austin
Adam Blair
Nathan Brown
Robbie Farah
James Gavet
Marika Koroibete
Te Maire Martin
Mitchell Moses
Tim Simona
Curtis Sironen
Martin Taupau
Bodene Thompson
With James Tedesco and Aaron Woods apart of that squad, his reign can only be considered a disaster and one of the worst in club history.
While that list does a wonderful job of telling the story, the fact that the Tigers weren't able to promote many players from within during his time at the club adds to the narrative. Wests have one of the strongest junior nurseries in the game and it's one of the few advantages they have over other clubs, yet despite boasting so many talented prospects, none of them were able to play their best footy and most of them either had to go elsewhere or just find themselves stuck in NSW Cup purgatory. Now granted, the few who went elsewhere like Manuel-Liolevave, Woods, Funaki, Seve, Paseka, Cassel, Graham etc. haven't had much luck at other clubs, but it's these junior players that usually make all the difference.
It will be interesting to see what approach Cleary takes from here on out. If his past behaviour can be considered, he was usually good at signing depth players who had something to offer but weren't given the time or opportunity required. Notable signings include James Maloney, James Segeyaro, Jacob Lillyman, Dean Whare etc.
If he takes a similar approach, I wonder if he'll target former Broncos players like he did when he was at the Warriors where he signed Brent Tate, Denan Kemp, Joel Moon and eventually Brett Seymour & Shaun Berrigan. I wonder if we'll see the likes of Benji Marshall, David Mead, Jonus Pearson, Tom Opacic, Joe Ofahengaue, Adam Blair etc. offered good money to sign with them?
