‘Leaving was the best thing’: Da Silva breaks silence on Tigers departure

15 hours ago 9

Tallyn Da Silva never thought he’d leave the Wests Tigers, but says he’s grateful the club didn’t hold him back after deciding to prioritise the retention of fellow hooker Api Koroisau.

Da Silva was contracted until the end of 2026, but the Tigers offered him a release before the June 30 window once he had decided to seek a move away from Concord. The 20-year-old had spent three years as the understudy to Koroisau – “there’s no one better to learn off” – but felt his development would be hindered if he continued to play second fiddle to the established rake.

The result was an immediate transfer to Parramatta on a four-and-a-half-year deal, where he will get the chance to fulfil his ambition of becoming a starting No.9. The news is difficult to digest for Tigers fans, who have witnessed Da Silva and fellow Campbelltown junior Lachlan Galvin depart in quick succession.

In his first interview since joining Parramatta, Da Silva said he always thought he would finish his career as a one-club man.

“I’m a local boy and played all the junior reps there, lived in Campbelltown all my life,” Da Silva said. “I thought it would be pretty special to stay at the Tigers, but unfortunately it didn’t happen. That’s footy. You move on, and I’m even more happy to be at Parra now.

“I’ve already been behind [Koroisau] for three years. I think if it was an extra two or three it would hinder my development and ability to make a name for myself.

“Leaving the club was the best thing. An opportunity has arisen and I’ve taken it with both hands. I’m happy to be there.”

Tigers chief executive Shane Richardson repeatedly assured Da Silva and his family that he wouldn’t block his pathway to a starting hooker position. Richardson was true to his word after deciding to focus on Koroisau’s retention.

“The whole way myself, my management and my family handled the situation, we were nothing but honest with the club,” Da Silva said.

“We sat with them many times and said we wanted to stay, but at the end of the day if you choose to go with Api then we will have to look elsewhere for my development to become a football player.

The Tigers decided to prioritise the re-signing of veteran hooker and club captain Api Koroisau.

“I’m very grateful to the club for understanding that and taking it on board. The way myself, my family and management have gone about it, it was only fair … there are no hard feelings there at all.

“I’m pretty confident in my skill and I’m backing myself to prove I can be a full 80-minute starting hooker at some stage.

“I’ve played 22 games, a lot of them have been off the bench off the back of Api. Once I get the opportunity, I feel I can prove myself and show that I can be that player.”

Da Silva had no shortage of suitors. Manly, Newcastle and North Queensland were all keen on his signature, but the pitch from Parramatta coach Jason Ryles and assistant Nathan Brown convinced him the Eels were the best fit.

“I think it’s good to have all that noise finally stop, all the contract drama,” the Westfield Sports High School product said after reporting to Eels duty for the first time on Tuesday.

“I’m very privileged, it’s a good opportunity for me to take this. I’m very proud to put the colours on, I haven’t even put the jersey on, but it’s a rich club. I’m very happy to be there.

“I never saw myself playing for them, but as you get older that [Tigers-Eels rivalry] just goes out the window. You forget about that rivalry when you were younger, and now I’m just very proud to be a part of it all now.”

Da Silva said he appreciated the chance to learn his craft under Koroisau.

“He’s such a good person,” Da Silva said. “He took time out of a few training sessions to teach me a few things. I think for the first three years, I couldn’t have asked for anyone else to develop under.”

The Eels have the bye next week, with Da Silva hoping to make his club debut the following round against Penrith.

“I’d love to, that’s my goal, to play NRL every week,” he said. “If I’m lucky enough to put on that Eels jersey next week, I’d be stoked. Obviously I’m still new there, still learning all their systems and getting used to all the boys, but I’ll put my best foot forward to be chosen in that team next week.”

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