Ivan Cleary will spearhead negotiations with the Wests Tigers' off-contract stars as they attempt fend off poaching raids from their NRL rivals.
Cleary on Monday was announced as the club's new head coach and confirmed he will be active in talks with Aaron Woods, James Tedesco, Mitchell Moses and Luke Brooks.
He, along with general manager of football Kelly Egan and recruitment manager Dave Warwick, are tasked with retaining the quartet of key players whose deals expire at the end of the 2017 season.
Asked if he we will have control of recruitment and retention, Cleary said it would be a collaborative process but emphasised: "Certainly the buck will stop with me."
Cleary met the four, along with the rest of the playing group, at their Concord headquarters on Monday and said initial discussions were positive.
Woods is rumoured to have received interest from the Warriors, Tedesco has been linked with St George Illawarra while Moses has reportedly been targeted by Brisbane.
All four are represented by player manager Isaac Moses, who has been accused of having too much power over the joint venture because of his bargaining position.
Cleary said he saw all four as having a big future but needed everyone pulling in the same direction.
"It's something we'd like to get sorted out sooner rather than later," Cleary said.
"What we'll need to do here is get everyone, including players, management and the board singing off the same hymn sheet.
"If we can sort out exactly where we want to go, that's what we need.
"In terms of players and the roster, what's most important is that those guys want to get on the bus."
Cleary admitted contract speculation had affected the club and it was something he wanted to get out of the way quickly.
Asked if he thought the Tigers could keep all four, he said: "That's a question that we'll find out.
"My initial discussions with those boys today was positive.
"It's been a period of distraction and a little bit of uncertainty.
"It's a big decision for not just the players but the club itself. Hopefully we can get it sorted out sooner rather than later."
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