Wests Tigers boss Grant Mayer says the joint venture's playing group is not agitating for the dismissal of embattled coach Mick Potter and that captain Robbie Farah remains a vital part of the NRL club.
In his first comments since the Tigers board on Sunday night deferred a decision on Potter's future until the end of the season, Mayer also told AAP that accusations that Farah is behind a concerted campaign to drive the coach out of Concord was "disrespectful and damaging".
"The playing group has not fronted the board at any stage regarding head coach Mick Potter," Mayer said.
"The unnecessary focus on our captain Robbie Farah is damaging and disrespectful to a player who has given his heart and soul to the Wests Tigers and is a life member of this club.
"Robbie is an integral part of Wests Tigers and we know he will be a part of this club for many years to come.
"Robbie and the players have stated publicly that they support the coach and that their focus is to make the top eight in 2014."
Farah became involved in a heated exchanged with Gorden Tallis after the Tigers' 28-12 round 20 loss to St George Illawarra on Sunday, after the Broncos great claimed on Triple M that the Wests hooker told him that Potter couldn't coach.
It is a claim Farah strenuously denied in the post-game press conference.
The loss puts the Tigers in 11th place with six rounds to go before the finals series. They are equal with seventh placed North Queensland on 22 points but fall down due to their poor for and against.
Amid reports Potter needs to steer the Tigers to the finals to retain his position for next year, Mayer said the club's priority was now solely on playing in September.
"From here on the club's main focus is making the finals this year," he said.
"We call on our fans to get behind Mick, Robbie and the team at this important time of the season."
Share
