The club is also searching for someone to take up the role of head of people and culture. Surely, that’s the job of the coach? Loading The Rugby League Players Association has confirmed that senior Tigers players have had lengthy talks with the union about Maguire’s decision to train them through to the grand final. The players agreed to do so, knowing it meant they would have a shorter lead-up to the start of the season and less of the brutal contact work Maguire loves. The very public dispute with Ryan Matterson is the latest issue at the club. There have been problems and disagreements with Josh Reynolds, Russell Packer and Ben Matulino, among others. It has led to a stream of information about the inner workings of the club coming the way of this column.

I asked if I could meet Tigers chief executive Justin Pascoe and Maguire to discuss these issues and get a response. After initially agreeing to meet, Pascoe decided he did not want to comment on the record. The Matterson issue is not all about money. We’ve been told it relates to player welfare at the Tigers and how he feels he is treated compared to the Roosters. He has not asked for more money. Fearsome: Maguire delivers a full-time spray after the Tigers were flogged by Canterbury. The welfare concerns are real. We have been told a story about a young player being knocked out at training and questions about the care he received, and another player being badly injured during a wrestling training session. The club refused to confirm or deny the stories.

The Tigers say they have rigorous protocols in place to ensure the wellbeing of players. Those protocols have been successful in detecting injuries during the year and players have subsequently received top care. However, the club has moved on assistant coach Craig Sandercock, and long-time physio Peter Moussa has left. Both these departures have not pleased the players. On top of all that, Tigers stalwart Chris Lawrence is still waiting for a new deal. The Tigers say he will get one. Fear of Todd: NRL boss has work to do to keep job The premiers might be decided next weekend, but NRL boss Todd Greenberg will remain in the spotlight for months to come. This column has been a significant supporter of Greenberg because, in large part, he has done a good job. But he is certainly not above criticism.

Greenberg has made some serious errors of judgment of late. His decision to throw Cameron Smith a party, and to buy Smith’s wife a diamond ring, to celebrate the Storm great’s 400th game was just plain dumb – especially when there are junior and country clubs all over NSW and Queensland struggling to survive. While some say $10,000 for the dinner and ring is not excessive, Smith has had testimonial games and functions, and earns more than $1million a year. Slap on the wrist: Todd Greenberg let Sam Burgess off lightly after his 'kangaroo court' comments. Credit:AAP Greenberg followed that up with a threat to come down hard on Sam Burgess following his ‘‘kangaroo court’’ comments about the judiciary. Instead, he invited Burgess into his office for a cup of tea and a chat, and let him off with a suspended fine. In January, Shane Flanagan was forced out of the game for communicating with the Sharks while he was suspended. The word out of NRL headquarters is that certain figures with clout had a personal set against Flanagan and it would be a long time before he would be allowed anywhere near the NRL again. But, again, Flanagan organised a cuppa with Greenberg and has been cleared to return as an assistant coach next year. We believe he should be able to return – as a head coach – but figures at the NRL are angry with Greenberg for allowing him back at all.

And, of course, it was Greenberg who allowed Matt Lodge to return to the NRL and wrote a reference for Greg Inglis when he faced drink driving charges. Both decisions caused significant angst. Loading There is a growing feeling in the game that Greenberg gets starstruck by the NRL’s pin-up boys. Certainly the big names appear to get a good hearing from the game’s boss. It is hard to imagine the likes of Andrew Fifita or Josh McGuire being invited in for a cuppa to discuss a behavioural matter. Greenberg has been allowed to get away with his stargazing because he gets little scrutiny and was not held to account by outgoing Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter Beattie. But that will all change when Peter V’landys takes over as chairman in a few weeks. V’landys is a hard-nosed administrator who doesn’t put up with any rubbish. It is unlikely he will think it’s OK to throw the game’s money around on diamond rings and allow the big stars to get off so softly for breaches that damage the NRL brand.

Greenberg is angling for a two-year extension to his $1.2 million-a-year contract. He is going to need to convince V’landys that he is worth it. Bad signs for World Nines There are concerns within the NRL about ticket sales for the World Nines in October. The event will be a fun few days, but people are not buying in as the NRL would have hoped. Discounted tickets have been offered for weeks. Gus doesn't want Dragons job So will Phil ‘‘Gus’’ Gould be the Dragons coaching director?

St George Illawarra have the budget in their coaching set-up to make it happen but say they have not asked Gould to do the job. Loading But there will be a new assistant. Former Sharks coach Shane Flanagan is set to get that job, although Storm assistant Jason Ryles is highly regarded. Gould doesn’t need a job and certainly is not applying for one. Gould did the review at the request of Dragons coach Paul McGregor, who wanted a fresh set of eyes to look at the entire process. The Dragons say Gould was offered payment but declined. Gould presented his review to McGregor and chief executive Brian Johnston. He did not present anything to the board. It is up to Johnston and McGregor to present to the board and to make decisions on the future of the club.

The club is expected to announce their restructure in the coming days. But McGregor is safe. Safe: Dragons coach Paul McGregor is likely to keep his job. Credit:ninevms Half truths and Chad Townsend Chad Townsend has been floated by some as a potential Broncos half to fill their gaping playmaking void. He would be a great option, too, even considering the apparent interest of Melbourne’s Brodie Croft, who met with Broncos coach Anthony Seibold during the week. But Townsend is working on a new deal with the Sharks. He is very much part of the fabric at Cronulla. He booked and organised a last-minute, post-season trip to Bali for his teammates – so it’s unlikely he’ll be going anywhere.

Loading Take a vow, Dylan Walker Last December, Dylan Walker was at Manly police station being charged with domestic-related common assault and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. If all goes to plan, he will marry his fiancee, Alex, in November. It’s quite the turnaround. Walker played some excellent football this season after he was cleared by the courts. Expect him to sign a new but reduced deal with the Sea Eagles any time soon.