NRL: Wests Tigers star Moses Mbye stands by comments that could force him out of the club

Wests Tigers utility Moses Mbye had no idea his honest remarks would lead to the intense scrutiny that has him linked with a move to rival clubs.

The Tigers confirmed that their former skipper had been granted permission to speak with other teams after Mbye was last week reported as saying the club wouldn’t be “thrilled that their marquee player is being used off the bench for half an hour a week”.

Those comments fuelled talks of an immediate release from the club he joined in mid-2018, but Mbye is surprised the story has generated so much interest, insisting he is more than happy to remain at the Tigers this season.

“It’s just been another week. I didn’t want to make as many headlines as I ended up making, but it’s out there now,” a candid Mbye told NCA NewsWire after his side’s Easter Monday loss to the Eels.

“It wasn’t really weighing me down, to be honest. I tried to explain it the best way I could, and I hope it came out properly. In my mind, there wasn’t too much in it, but it obviously grew to be bigger than what I thought it would.

“The phone lit up. I let a few calls go through to the keeper, but it was mainly my mates checking in. I’ve got a really good support base and it was nice of them to check in.

“I’m committed here and I thought I got to show my commitment to the side against the Eels.”

Fittingly, the Tigers take on the Cowboys on Sunday, with North Queensland emerging as one of the favourites to land the 27-year-old’s signature should he get a release.

When asked if he had been in touch with other clubs, Mbye replied: “I’ve got to keep that under wraps.”

This isn’t foreign territory for Mbye, who made his Tigers debut in Round 16 of 2018 at Leichhardt Oval – the same venue as this weekend’s clash – after Canterbury released him from his contract.

“I’ve got to experience it, so it’s nothing new to me,” he said.

“At the time it was a weird experience. But it’s all part of the game now and players are quite resilient to the fact that there’s going to be movement in player rosters and coaching. It’s crazy how the game keeps going.

“It’s a big business caught up in an endless cycle, and I don’t see it slowing down soon.”

Whatever he chooses to do next, Mbye knows he’ll have the full support of his young family who will continue to cheer on the Tigers or happily don the colours of whatever jersey he wears next.

“I’m very lucky to have a super supportive family,” he said in the Stadium Australia sheds, surrounded by his children.

Could Moses Mbye move as early as this season?https://t.co/N215zVmaKk#NRLpic.twitter.com/qBDecTY5Ys

“I know they just want to do what dad does, and my wife is the same. She’s always been good to me and she’s just happy to do what’s best for our family.

“I’m enjoying my time here. The club is doing some really good things and we’re heading in the right direction with some great recruits. If I end up staying here then that’s great.”

His playing future isn’t the only thing up for debate, with Mbye still unsure what his best position is. He was very good coming off the bench at hooker and as a roving middle against Parramatta, but any potential suitor would most likely want him to focus on one role.

“People have been asking me that question for six years and I still don’t know,” he said.

“I think I’ve now ticked off every position on the field. It’s allowed me to do some things that I probably wouldn’t have been able to do if I played a certain position in my career.

“A lot of people have different opinions on it, and I’ve heard that it can be a blessing or a curse to be moved around, but it’s an opportunity, and that’s the best way to look at it.”

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