Moimoi, Dave Taylor (and Ryan Bailey) leave Toronto Woolpack

[Graham]

"Fuifui Moimoi, Ryan Bailey and Dave Taylor have left Toronto Wolfpack by mutual agreement.

This is the brief statement released by the Canadian club just a couple of weeks before they start their Championship campaign.

 

"Former New Zealand and Tonga international Moimoi was a major signing for last year’s promotion campaign from League One.

Australian front rower Dave Taylor was one of several significant close season recruits, having previously played for Australia, Queensland and Catalans in Super League.

Now coach Paul Rowley must now cope with(out) all three ahead of the club’s first season in the Championship."

Wonder if any will end up back in the NRL?

[Graham]

The Mirror here and the Daily Telegraph (UK) both report the news.

Dave Taylor’s Toronto Wolfpack career has ended before it began after parting ways with the Canadian rugby league club alongside former Parramatta Eels cult figure Fuifui Moimoi.

Taylor left the Canberra Raiders following the 2017 season to pursue an opportunity at the English Championship club.

The former NRL pair, alongside forward Ryan Bailey, have parted ways following a pre-season training camp in Portugal.

Moimoi was the club’s first major recruit prior to their first English season in 2017, and was joined by Taylor who’s career has been marred by a series of off-field incidents.

[Graham]

The Aussie Foxsports are talking as if all three have been sacked by the Wolfpack after an incident at the pre-season training camp in Portugal.

The five-day camp is at the Colina Verde Golf and Sports Resort, a venue used by a number of high-profile sporting teams.

[Graham]

Surely this is a big blow to the ambitious club?

Taylor, one of the club’s major recruits along with Ashton Sims and Josh McCrone, had only just arrived on a three-year deal worth a reported $1 million.

Moimoi played a key role in their promotion into the second tier this season, while Bailey was recently cleared to play on after winning a case against UK Anti-Doping.

'After being given a lifeline by the Raiders, Taylor signed a big-money deal with the Wolfpack, thought to be worth $1million over three years. The forward also had stints at the Broncos, Rabbitohs and Titans, with a brief tenure at Catalans in 2016.

Now 29, Taylor made eight appearances for Queensland and one Test for Australia.

Moi Moi played 201 NRL games for the Eels, including 2009's Grand Final season. In 2015, the former Tonga and New Zealand representative signed with Leigh Centurions before moving to the Wolfpack and playing 20 matches in 2017.' 

[Graham]

Before he left Raiders, Canberra did try to keep him. Wonder if they want him back?

To some extent that might depend on what's been going on and what the full story is.

[clogdance]

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/toronto-wolfpack-rocked-exits-fuifui-11870961

[Graham]

Speculation seems to relate to some sort of off field bad behaviour.

Officially though:

Dave Taylor and Fui Fui Moi Moi have both been sacked by Toronto Wolfpack. Club not commenting for legal reasons. They are in Portugal on a preseason camp. Coach Paul Rowley told NRL.com  "They have left the club - that's all I can say".

[Graham]

Surely Moimoi will retire now won't he, after all he's 38?

How sad is that if he goes out on a sacking!

Taylor is 29 so will want to carry on.

Who will want him as a bloke who had such potential in the game but who has could be accused of not fulfilling it to date?

[Graham]

While these three will have big decisions about their futures, Brian Noble will be looking round to strengthen the transatlantic club as the Championship season is soon to get underway.

[Futtocks]

1 hour ago, Graham said:

Surely Moimoi will retire now won't he, after all he's 38?

How sad is that if he goes out on a sacking!

Taylor is 29 so will want to carry on.

Who will want him as a bloke who had such potential in the game but who has could be accused of not fulfilling it to date?

This is professional sport; every career screw-up seems to get chance after chance after chance.

[RabbitRhinoovOZ]

Lucky for big Dave his good mate Karmichal Hunt also has plenty of time on his hands these days so they'll both be able to spend there days perusing other pastimes they have in common .

[Graham]

Somebody online reckons 

Quote

I understand Dave Taylor was released from Toronto due to breaking curfew twice in Portugal... snuck out of hotel late at night along with Bailey and Moi Moi. Wolfpack using it to draw line in sand.

Is this enough to be a sackable offence?

Toronto putting down a marker for its players?

Or is there likely to be more to it than that?

[The Future is League]

On 1/19/2018 at 6:59 PM, RabbitRhinoovOZ said:

Lucky for big Dave his good mate Karmichal Hunt also has plenty of time on his hands these days so they'll both be able to spend there days perusing other pastimes they have in common .