Brent Naden’s sudden shift from Canterbury to Wests Tigers was initially reported to be a protest from the player.
The 26-year-old left the Bulldogs last week immediately after Trent Barrett stepped down as coach.
Many believed he walked out on the club due to Barrett’s departure, but Michelle Bishop says that is not the case.
She caught up with Naden on Tuesday and found out how the move from Belmore to Concord came about.
“I wanted to get to the bottom of Brent Naden’s swift exit from the Bulldogs,” Bishop said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“It created such a stir at the time. There were headlines like ‘mass exodus’, ‘the first to go,’ ‘he stormed out in protest’ unhappy about Barrett’s departure.
“He did set the record straight yesterday and he did reveal to me that he met with Phil Gould and this is how it all unfolded in about three hours.”
Naden told Bishop that Phil Gould, Canterbury’s GM of Football, indicated that perhaps there would be better opportunity elsewhere.
“Gus (Gould) sat me down and said we’ve got a lot of young centres coming through and a lot of pressure and stuff,” Naden said.
“The Tigers were interested, my manager sorted it all out and the next day I was a Tiger.
“It wasn’t because ‘Baz’ (Barrett) was leaving, it’s because there was an opportunity at the Tigers.
“I’ve got a family now. Before I probably would have stayed and fought for the spot, but now I’ve got my little family I want to set up a life for my family and my son.
“Gus said there wasn’t too much happening at the Dogs after my contract so the Tigers were the best chance.”
Bishop added: “So there you go, he didn’t pack his bags and storm out in protest.
“He was upset about the way it unfolded with Barrett, but it wasn’t the reason.
“I thought it was interesting to look at the fact he had a fair bit of competition at the Dogs, a few centres coming through in the lower grades and he thought about his family.
“It was just a little bit easier to move on and do his best at the Tigers.”
Naden debuted for the Tigers in last weekend’s 36-22 win over his former club.
He will again suit up for Michael Maguire’s side against South Sydney at Accor Stadium this Saturday.
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