Perth Bears coach Mal Meninga has broken his silence on the controversy surrounding his club, the Gold Coast Titans and former Titans recruitment manager Ezra Howe, describing the episode as “upsetting” for everyone involved.
Howe is accused of breaching the NRL’s anti-tampering rules, with reports alleging he used inside knowledge from his time at the Titans to begin compiling a player wish list for the incoming Perth Bears.
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It is also claimed Howe spoke with the agents of several Titans players, including Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Carter Gordon, Sam Verrills and Jaylan De Groot, urging them to delay contract talks.
‘Unfortunate situation’
Speaking on SEN 1170’s Afternoons, Meninga said he was unable to comment in detail due to the ongoing investigation. “I can’t make any comment on that because there are potential legal matters,” he said.
“It’s been upsetting for all parties, and this is an unfortunate situation that we are all having to go through. But we're not quite sure what’s going to happen, but I can’t really comment too much in depth because of the legal implications that may occur.”
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The Rugby League Immortal admitted he had wanted Howe to be part of his Perth setup. “Obviously, Ezra Howe is a good friend of mine, and I wanted him to be my recruitment manager. But that is not possible at this stage,” Meninga said.
With the Bears only able to officially begin recruiting from 1 November, Meninga stressed he was focused on building momentum. “I’m trying to get on with the job with the Perth Bears as their head coach and try and get things moving along,” he said.