Secret rift behind surprise exit of Tigers legend

A difference of opinion with skipper Api Koroisau is the real reason Tigers legend Robbie Farah will be leaving the club at the end of the season. Koroisau and Farah - the two best hookers in the Tigers' history - haven't seen eye to eye over a number of issues for over 12 months. The result has been a disjointed club - and one of the pair had to go. Farah is staying on as an assistant coach to Benji Marshall until season's end but playing a reduced role. He has business interests and a high profile in Tiger-town so will have no problem adapting to life away from the game. The club is likely to deny the rift but several club insiders have confirmed it to Wide World of Sports. Benji is now on the lookout for a more experienced second in command following a rough ride in his first season at the helm of the club.

Panthers in ugly standoff with grand final hero

Penrith are playing hardball with premiership-winning hooker Api Koroisau.Wide World of Sports has learned that the premiers have told the classy dummy half that they can't offer him a contract beyond his current deal, which expires at the end of next season.But at the same time, the Panthers are refusing to release Koroisau for 2022 to enable him to sign one last long-term deal.But the Panthers are determined to retain Koroisau for 2022, despite the fact that several clubs are willing to give him two or three year contracts on big dollars.The stalemate has resulted in a tense situation between player and club.Penrith's premiership win has put them in a tricky salary cap situation, with the market value of their young grand final winners skyrocketing.Strike forward Viliame Kikau and dynamic fullback Dylan Edwards are just two players also coming off contract at the end of next season who are already in hot demand.At least two grand final stars will have to be released for 2023, with Koroisau the first to go.