Tigers Holden Cup coach Todd Payten considered forfeiting the first match following the death of Mosese Fotuaika. Picture: Ross Michael Source: The Daily Telegraph
TODD Payten considered forfeiting the Wests Tigers' round-one match against Newcastle in the Holden Cup on Monday night after the death of rising prop Mosese Fotuaika.
On a Tigers blog yesterday, Payten wrote: "The last week has been upsetting to say the least with the tragic loss of Mosese Fotuaika, one of last year's NYC heroes and a terrific kid with such a bright future.
"It really rocked us. So much so I contemplated forfeiting this game. But after more thought, I thought we would all benefit by throwing ourselves into this game and being able to get things back to something near normal.
"We did speak as a group on Monday and we are aware that everyone grieves in different ways. I suggested we should all put our hands up to play but if anyone needed more time, I wouldn't hesitate to let them sit footy out until they felt right mentally."
Fotuaika was found dead in his Sydney apartment last week, leaving the Tigers shattered and confused.
"Everyone was determined to play and we made a pact to honour Mosese by preparing the best we can," Payten said.
"Tuesday's session was the sharpest we've had in a few weeks. We are fortunate that we play on Monday night to give us more time to get ready with what has happened and the funeral (today)."
Tigers captain Robbie Farah said his grief-stricken NRL teammates will have to find a way to focus on football when they start their campaign on Monday.
Almost 100 players and officials from the club's NRL, under-20 and NSW Cup teams will attend Fotuaika's funeral in Brisbane this morning."It's very tough," Farah said yesterday. "It has rocked everyone here, especially the young guys who were very close to him.
"We (senior players) were close to him as well. It's tough on all of us. The only way we can get through is to help each other and we'll do that.
"I think we're pretty lucky that we don't play until Monday night.
"We've had a while now, a few days where we've stuck together as a group, comforted each other and got together.
"Tomorrow we've got the opportunity to say our goodbyes and respects to the family, and to Mosese.
"Then we've just got to get on with things. We've got four days then to prepare for what's going to be a tough game on Monday night."
It will be the second time in 10 months Farah has headed to Newcastle in mourning.
Hunter Stadium was the setting for the NSW hooker's NRL return after the death of his mother Sonia last season.
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