'Can ruin teams': Tiger calls for unity after Madge's honesty session leak

David Nofoaluma says the leaking of sensitive discussions from the Wests Tigers playing group is more damaging than players "walking on eggshells" around their positions in Michael Maguire's side.

The Tigers need a mathematical miracle if they're to snap the NRL longest-running finals drought, with Maguire once more ringing changes throughout his 17 for Saturday's clash with Manly.

Maguire's constant chopping and changing of the team in a bid to get the best out of a long-underperforming club came to a head during "an open and honest" team meeting on Monday.

NRL.com understands there are factions of the Tigers camp far more disenchanted with Maguire's famed intensity than others.

Monday's meeting is understood to have touched on numerous issues, including the coaching staff's communication with players, training methods and consistent team changes.

During Tuesday's media commitments, Nofoaluma and props Alex Twal and Josh Aloiai – all players who have flourished under Maguire – pointed to the coach's success at South Sydney, and the Tigers' lack of for the past decade, as cause to back him to the hilt.

Nofoaluma conceded the near-weekly upheaval of the Tigers line-up had players "a little bit worried about their job security", and confirmed the phrase "walking on eggshells" was put to Maguire.

The flying winger went one step further in pointing out the difference between perennial premiership heavyweights like the Roosters and Melbourne, and the Tigers' finals absence which stretches back to 2011.

"'Walking on eggshells' – it got out to the media what was said and it was the truth," Nofoaluma said.

"It was an honest discussion. That 'walking on eggshells', that came from within the group. The players were honest with each other and we were up front. There's a lot of noise happening around the club so we've just got to deal with it.

"For myself I'm pretty disappointed that it even got out because that there can ruin teams.

"For something like that to get out when it's an open and honest conversation amongst the playing group.

"Clubs at the top you never hear anything really coming out of their playing group. If something happens you don't hear of it.

"And I think that's why they're so successful, because they're so tight and rock solid with each other."

The Tigers are still struggling to right a top-heavy salary cap with the likes of Josh Reynolds and Russell Packer understood to have been unsuccessfully shopped to rival clubs for some time.

Tigers icon Benji Marshall has also been told he won't be offered a deal for 2021.

The upheaval continues on the field against the Sea Eagles with captain Moses Mbye reverting back to fullback for the first time in 12 months, with Adam Doueihi switching to the centres and Tommy Talau dropped for AJ Kepaoa.

Nofoaluma referenced both the on and off-field uncertainty for yet another fade out from finals contention, reiterating his belief that Maguire is the man to finally turn the Tigers around.

"Why do I believe he's the right guy? How many premierships has he won? That's the only reason," Nofoaluma said.

"He's won comps, you can't argue with that.

"You've always got to buy into a coach, he's the head coach.

"But I think with certain things that have happened throughout the year, maybe it effected the team's performance, being consistent, it didn't help.

"We'd do well after players have been dropped or return from being dropped. We'd play a few good games and then fall straight back down.

"I think that's a mindset of the players being a little bit worried about their job security. It would effect anyone.

"When Madge turned up you've got to realise that he's only signed a few of his players.

"A lot of players here he had to come in and take over. It is a tough job to be a head coach. From my perspective I get along with him and I'm sure he knows what decisions to make."