Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould has explained the sudden exit of star outside back Brent Naden, which quickly followed news of coach Trent Barrett’s resignation.
In a tumultuous week for the Belmore club, Naden added a twist when he turned up unannounced on the Wests Tigers team list that was unveiled at 4pm on Tuesday.
So rushed was the move that neither the Bulldogs nor the Tigers had time to announce it before it was revealed to the world when the team lists were published.
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It sparked instant speculation that Naden had quit the Bulldogs in protest as soon as he could after it was announced that Barrett was no longer the head coach.
Speaking on Wide World of Sports’ Six Tackles with Gus podcast, Gould set the record straight, explaining that the Tigers had been circling Naden since the summer and that Gould himself had decided to offer the player the chance for a change of scenery on Friday, when Barrett was still at the helm.
“So Brent Naden, we had an approach – we had several approaches actually during the summer months,” Gould said.
“Wests Tigers had a spot left (in their roster) and they were looking for an outside back and they’d often been in contact. Last week again they made an approach.
“I didn’t tell Brent until after the game on Friday night. I said we’ve had an approach from the Wests Tigers and he should consider it.
“On Sunday when Trent made the decision that he was leaving I said to Brent that, you know, maybe this is an option that he’d like to consider. And he decided to do that.”
Gould’s explanation follows comments from Tigers football boss Tim Sheens, who told the Sydney Morning Herald that Naden’s wish to play in the centres had played a part in his Bulldogs exit.
“Brent was thrown up as a possibility last week because the kid wanted to play centre, he was on the wing [at Canterbury], and we needed to strengthen that area,” Sheens said.
“He’s a good character, he’s got ability, and we need propping up in that area.”
Naden will train with the Tigers for the first time today, with coach Michael Maguire to then make a call on whether or not to use him in his 17 against his old club on Friday.
Gould said he expected Naden’s departure from the Bulldogs to open the door for young guns Jacob Kiraz and Paul Alamoti to be given opportunities in first grade.
He added that the Bulldogs had to carefully consider their salary cap, with the Naden move freeing up some much needed room.
“We need some salary cap room as well, so it worked for the Wests Tigers and it works for us and I think it will be a good move for Brent Naden as well.”
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