Wests Tigers' longest-serving player Chris Lawrence says there's been significant change at the NRL club, but denies there was a culture of bullying as suggested by a damning newspaper report over the weekend.
News Corp Australia claimed a Rugby League Players Association report alleged at least two NRL players considered committing suicide and others had spoken of being bullied at the club.
Centre-turned forward Lawrence, who has played close to 200 games since his debut in 2006, suggested disgruntled former players may have been responsible for some of the negativity surrounding the club.
He stressed the present Tigers culture was good and while there had been changes at the club, that didn't mean there had been dark days in their past.
"I wouldn't say dark, " Lawrence said.
"With every administration that comes in there's always going to be people coming and going.
"You see it at every club, whether it's players, coaching staff or administration , people come and go.
"So with that there's a cleanout of people, there's always maybe some people that are going to be unhappy about leaving."
Lawrence emphasised there had been changes across the club in all departments.
"I think you can see with the energy and the vibe around the place that now there's a good culture," he said.
While there has been speculation about the relationship between coach Jason Taylor and some of his players, forward Tim Grant had nothing but praise for the Tigers mentor.
"Coming to the club not only JT (Taylor), but (Tigers' CEO) Justin Pascoe and also the playing group, everyone is so encouraging here and we look out for each other," Grant said.
"I've been at other clubs and I think the Wests Tigers' welfare and wellbeing is second to none."
Tigers recruit Jamal Idris said he hadn't been affected by the report and hadn't seen evidence of anything bad in his short time at the club.
"I'm in the middle of it and I haven't seen haven't seen any of it, that's coming from someone who is right in the thick of it all," Idris said.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.
MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78.
Multicultural Mental Health Australia www.mmha.org.au.
Local Aboriginal Medical Service available from www.vibe.com.au.
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