7th Tackle: The Tigers players furious with Taylor sacking

Jason Taylor's exit has left the Wests Tigers divided - both in the playing and coaching ranks.

An insider told us a group of players recruited by the sacked coach - Matt Ballin, Tim Grant, Joel Edwards and Elijah Taylor - were most upset over his treatment.

We've been told Ballin took it upon himself to stand up for Taylor at a team meeting last week. A straight shooting and honorable character, Ballin didn't mince his words.

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Later in the week the team engaged in a spirited training session that saw Ballin hurt his foot and ultimately miss Sunday's clash against Melbourne.

Words between the coaching staff were even more juicy. Taylor's closest ally at Concord was assistant coach Paul Stringer, a former teammate at North Sydney.

Stringer was furious over the lack of solidarity for Taylor from some within the football department - and challenged them. Don't be surprised if he's the first of the old guard to leave.