NRL 2022: Wests Tigers sign Manly Sea Eagles forward Sione Fainu in immediate transfer
Under-pressure Wests Tigers continue to delve into the NRL transfer market, this time bolstering their stocks with a Sea Eagles signing hoping to make an instant impact.
Wests Tigers have signed NSW under-18 prop Sione Fainu from rivals Manly on an immediate long-term deal.
Fainu will make the switch to the Tigers from the next two-and-a-half seasons after being granted a release from the Sea Eagles.
The 20-year-old is yet to play first grade but, at 185cm and 109kg, will join the Tigers’ top squad and push for a NRL spot immediately.
Fainu represented NSW under-18 in 2019 when he was named the state player of the year.
He is the younger brother of sidelined Manly hooker Manase Fainu, who hasn’t played since 2019.
He remains stood down under the NRL’s no fault stand-down policy, as he waits to face court in July over charges relating to the stabbing of a then 24-year-old man at a Mormon church dance in southwestern Stydney in October, 2019.
Manase Fainu, 23, has also been recovering from a shoulder injury.
His siblings including Latu and Samuela remain committed to the Sea Eagles on long-term deals.