The Wests Tigers’ re-signing of Alex Twal and Alex Seyfarth has prompted discussions of another player swap deal, involving out-of-favour Melbourne centre Justin Olam.
Wests Tigers and Melbourne Storm are in talks about a potential player swap which would see premiership winner Justin Olam joining the Tigers next season.
The Tigers and Melbourne have held discussions about Olam signing with the Tigers and the Storm securing forward Shawn Blore in a rare player swap. The Storm have chased Blore already this year and were close to securing him a few months ago when he was given permission to leave the Tigers.
A late minute change of heart prompted the Tigers to hold onto Blore but a few things have changed significantly in their forward stocks since then. Originally they played to have at least one of Alex Twal or Alex Seyfarth leave the club now with Twal secured on a long-term deal and Seyfarth also re-signing for two years, the Tigers now believe they could let Blore go — for the right player.
The Storm’s renewed interest in Blore has prompted the discussions surrounding Olam.
Blore only has 12 months left on his contract while Olam has a deal until the end of 2026.
Olam had an unhappy season at the Storm where the 29-year-old was axed to Queensland Cup for the first time since 2019.
Blore would give the Storm pack starch after their big men were criticised at times this year.
Olam had been linked to the Super League after being sounded out by new Warrington coach Sam Burgess, but that is unlikely.
The Tigers and Storm have shown their hand previous with a historic player swap in 2020 when Harry Grant and Paul Momirovski traded clubs.
Melbourne also tried something similar ahead of 2022 when it considered giving up Brandon Smith for one year before he joined the Roosters in exchange for Stefano Utoikamanu. That was swiftly rejected by the Tigers.
If Olam does leave, the Storm will consider shifting Nick Meaney to centre provided Ryan Papenhuyzen can return to full fitness. They also have youngster Sualauvi Fa’alogo ready to play regular first grade. The Storm are yet to add a player for next season despite Tariq Sims (Catalans), Jayden Nikorima (Catalans), George Jennings (released), Jordan Grant (released) and Tom Eisenhuth (released) leaving. The Tigers have been fair more active with Latu Fainu (Sea Eagles), Samuela Fainu (Sea Eagles), Jayden Sullivan (Dragons) and Aidan Sezer (Leeds Rhinos) among the new recruits.
