The off-field issues of disgraced Wests Tigers centre Tim Simona were news to Jason Taylor, the head coach said on Saturday.
Simona's NRL career is all but over after officially having his contract torn up by the governing body on Friday for betting on NRL matches, including against his own team.
NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg was adamant the 25-year-old had some serious personal issues, however Taylor denied knowledge of any problems for Simona away from the field.
The third-year Tigers coach said he has reached out to Simona since his deregistration to ensure his wellbeing ahead of an uncertain future.
English rugby looms as his most likely option after the English Super League blocked any potential move for the Samoan international.
"I've contacted Tim and the club are going to continue to work hard to ensure he's in a positive state of mind because it's going to be really tough for Tim," Taylor said.
Taylor is confident the Simona saga won't prove a distraction for his troops ahead of their round-two clash against Penrith at Campbelltown.
The Tigers are coming off an impressive win over South Sydney in their season-opener.
"The guys have done really well. I'm not saying it's not there, it's there. It has to be there. Tim's been their teammate for a number of years," Taylor said.
"But the guys have focused really well, both last week and this week. Whatever happens tomorrow, it won't have been a distraction for us."
Taylor also believes there is enough education for players to be dissuaded from betting.
"Any player who plays in the NRL knows what their responsibility is. The integrity of the game has to be upheld by every person, whatever role we hold in rugby league," he said.
"We should cherish these positions. We're all privileged to be here in these roles. I talk to the players about that regularly."
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