Tigers back-rower Garner 'spewing' over coach's Warriors move

Wests Tigers second-rower Luke Garner has admitted he was “spewing” when he heard Andrew Webster would begin coaching the Warriors next year, denying the pair a chance to reunite at Penrith.

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary and his assistant Webster handed Garner his NRL debut when all three were at the Tigers in 2018.

Garner said the chance to play under Cleary and Webster again was a major reason he signed with Penrith for 2023.

“I know Ivan very well and Andrew Webster was here as well but unfortunately (Webster) won’t be there next year,” Garner said.

“I was pretty spewing about (his move to the Warriors) but I’m stoked for him to get a head coach role, I know that’s what he wanted.

“I know a couple of the boys (at Penrith). They’re a good side as well so there were a couple of things that made me make that decision.”

Webster was defence coach during his time at the Tigers but since arriving at Penrith ahead of the 2021 season, has overseen the Panthers’ attack which produced more points than any other side through 17 rounds.

Garner said Webster was ready to make the move to head coach.

“I think Webby will do well. He was a very good coach here. You look at how Penrith are going and I’m sure he contributes to that,” Garner said.

“I’m just stoked he’s got that gig and he can show what he can do.”

Garner has the chance to come up against his soon-to-be teammates on Sunday night, when the Tigers take on an understrength Penrith at CommBank Stadium.

Cleary is giving all seven of his State of Origin representatives the weekend off but Garner said the Tigers couldn’t become complacent if they hoped to upset the Panthers, just as they did in last year’s Origin period.

“The Panthers have plenty of depth and they’re the benchmark in the NRL, so it’s never a good week to get the Panthers,” he said.

David Nofoaluma and James Roberts dropped out of the Tigers’ backline on Saturday through illness, while Cleary omitted premiership-winning forward Spencer Leniu from his side.