SMH - Ofahengaue did a medical with the Eels. Then the Tigers kept him
May 18, 2023 — 7.15pm
Joe Ofahengaue’s proposed mid-season move to the Eels has been delayed despite him undergoing a medical at Parramatta, with the Tigers insisting any potential release would be done on their terms.
The former State of Origin forward’s immediate move to the Tigers’ western Sydney neighbours unravelled on Thursday when the club told him he would be required for Saturday’s clash against the Cowboys, which doubles as Luke Brooks’ 200th NRL game.
The Eels were preparing for Ofahengaue to sign a two-and-a-half year contract with the club on Thursday, and even went as far as having him checked by the club doctor. There was even a chance Ofahengaue would have played for the Eels’ NSW Cup team on Friday.
But the Tigers put a halt to any immediate switch and the deal now runs the risk of falling over if Ofahengaue is injured in any match this weekend.
According to Tigers sources speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the confidential nature of the talks, a recruitment and retention meeting on Wednesday night determined Ofahengaue wouldn’t be released before the weekend.
But it didn’t stop the 27-year-old from heading to Kellyville for a medical the next day and meeting key Eels staff.
It’s likely the two clubs won’t revisit the final release until early next week as Parramatta desperately search for middle forwards. Reagan Campbell-Gillard is spending an extended stint on the sidelines.
Ofahengaue will have to undergo another medical if he plays this weekend before he can join Brad Arthur’s side. He is under contract at the Tigers until the end of 2025.