In a major shock, Panthers General Manager Phil Moss has quit the club to join the Wests Tigers.
The Tigers confirmed Moss’ appointment this afternoon when they named Jason Taylor as their Head Coach for the 2015, 2016 and 2017 seasons.
Moss is credited as being one of the driving forces behind Penrith’s positive performances both on and off the field, and had formed a powerful management trio alongside Phil Gould and Warren Wilson.
Moss will take on the newly created General Manager of Football Operations role at the Tigers.
Wests Tigers Chair Marina Go said that the appointments were important steps for the Club as it looks to the 2015 season and well beyond.
“The Wests Tigers Board is thrilled to welcome Jason Taylor and Phil Moss, two highly skilled and experienced Rugby League professionals with impressive track records,” said Go.
“Their appointments are key to building a new culture and setting the foundations for a successful future at Wests Tigers. This is an important step forward for our Club.”
Wests Tigers CEO Grant Mayer said that the Club was looking forward to working closely with Moss and Taylor.
“Both Phil and Jason embraced all of the criteria that the club set for these roles and knowing that they have shared a strong working relationship in the past, the board and management have great confidence that they will lead the Wests Tigers forward,” Mayer said.
“The partnership between Phil and Jason is imperative with both given very clear objectives. Phil will manage the entire football program, with Jason taking on the core coaching responsibilities for the NRL squad. The demands for Head Coaches these days are so diverse that having Phil in the General Manager role will allow Jason to do what he does best.”
Both Moss and Taylor are expected to start with the club no later than October 14, which will ensure they have ample time to prepare for player’s return to 2015 pre-season training on November 3.
There were no signs, at least publicly, that Moss was on the verge of quitting the Panthers.
The departure of Moss comes less than 48 hours after the Panthers were bundled out of the race for the 2014 premiership, losing 18-12 to Canterbury at ANZ Stadium.
