Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

SMH (at end of HBG story): Luai last man standing at fan day

Jarome Luai met Wests Tigers fans for the first time on Saturday, and stood in the blazing sun for 90 minutes posing for every photo and signing every autograph.

Luai was even gifted a gold necklace with a tiger, and wore it around his neck as he was the last one standing at Concord Oval, at least 30 minutes after his teammates had finished their commitments.

There is a lot of excitement in Tiger Town because of the arrival of four-time Penrith premiership winner Luai, as well as Terrell May, Sunia Turuva, Royce Hunt and Jack Bird, not to mention the untapped potential of young guns Jahream Bula, Lachie Galvin, Fonua Pole and Samuela Fainu.

Luai was not due to report for Tigers training until the new year because of his international commitments with Samoa, but began work at his new club this week. The fans showed their appreciation, with the loudest roar coming when he stepped past a couple of defenders and almost scored a try during a training drill, only to be held up by Tallyn Da Silva.

Front-rower May, who thought Trent Robinson was “prank calling him” when the Sydney Roosters coach told him he was free to leave the club despite having two more years to run on his deal, refused to discuss Robinson or his former club.

“I don’t want to comment about where I was previously, sorry,” he said.

“I just feel like I’m a Tiger now, and I’m in the present. I don’t want to talk about the past any more, and whatever was said, was said. Let’s move on from that.”

As for joining his Samoan Test teammate Luai in Tigers colours, May said: “I grew up with ‘Romy’; I’ve known him since I was like six years old. A lot of people have speculated that I came here because of him. He was a little bit in my ear, but I came because I wanted to come.

“He’s blossomed heaps. I remember him always being immature and just that guy that mocks everyone. But he’s really taken on his role of leadership. It’s surprising to see because I’ve known him as that mocking, young, immature dude. It’s good to see him like this now, and hopefully he can prove to all the young boys.”
 
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DT (under the Sullivan article): THE TIGERS PITCH THAT SECURED TURUVA
— Michael Carayannis

Christmas will be a little easier for cousins Sunia Turuva and Api Koroisau this year.

The pair have joined together at the Tigers after Koroisau had his say in helping fellow Fijian international Turuva make the switch from Penrith.

“He was so influential,” Turuva said of the Tigers skipper. “Once he found out I was in talks we would message every day. That continued even when I signed. He let me know the club is heading in the right direction.

“It is going to be cool (playing alongside him). Our families are so excited. Whenever our families get together they all talk about how keen they are to watch us run around together.”

Koroisau isn’t the only familiar face at the Tigers for Turuva. The Panthers premiership winner returned to training early this week so too did fellow ex-Panther Jarome Luai.

“It has made the transition a bit easier,” Turuva said. “Everyone knew what to expect (regarding) Jarome. He is a competitor and he just wants to win. You could see in the opposed (session at training that) he was ripping into the boys”

A strong crowd was on hand to welcome the likes of Turuva, Luai and fellow new recruits Terrell May, Jack Bird, Royce Hunt and Jeral Skelton at a fan day at Concord Oval on Saturday morning.

The optimism is high among the Tigers faithful after a recent lean trot. Turuva shares that hope.

“I’ve touched on it with Romey (Luai),” Turuva said. “The 2024 season they finished with the spoon but they were in every game. There were no blow-ups. We will add to that and get a couple more wins on the board.

“Whatever happens in their past (is done). We just want to be winners. Everyone should be aiming to win a ring.”

The 22-year-old won back to back premierships on the wing but could be on the move at the Tigers. He is open to playing either centre or wing.

“I’ve had a few conversations with Benji,” Turuva said. I really don’t mind. Anywhere in the 17 will do. I just want to be playing footy each week.

Meanwhile, the boardroom dramas engulfing the Holman Barnes Group remains ongoing. Thee board members of the majority owners of the Tigers are involved in a spat which has led to them being temporary suspended. Hearings have occurred in recent days with a solution expected in the coming days.

“It is nearing the completion of a process involving a formal investigation by an external third party and disciplinary hearings regarding alleged misconduct of three individuals who held directorships on the board,” a Holman Barnes statement read. “Under the Constitution, the directors involved have an opportunity to respond to the allegations against them before any final decision is made.”
 
Some interesting bits in Saint, Sinner, Shoosh in the DT.

SAINT

Jarome Luai showing his intent by reporting to Wests Tigers training earlier than expected. He was on the tools this week despite not being due back to training until next Saturday. Luai’s holds the key to the Tigers hopes next season.

SPOTTED

Wests Tigers centre Justin Olam visiting with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape and PNG Tourism Minister Belden Namah at the Hilton Hotel in Sydney recently.

BUNNIES DUNK ON LODGE

Tallis Duncan is on the verge of inking a multi-year extension to remain at South Sydney but one player who is unlikely to join the club next year is Matt Lodge.

The Rabbitohs are close to securing Duncan on a two year deal when his current contract expires at the end of next year. The 22-year-old played 20 games for the Rabbitohs this year. While Duncan looks set to find his long-term home, the Rabbitohs have closed the door on the prospect of securing Lodge.

Lodge had been linked to the club along with John Bateman.

Bateman’s decision to reject the Rabbitohs to most likely sign with North Queensland could have opened the door for Lodge but that does not seem to be the case.

Jock Madden – who was told he is free to leave the Broncos – won’t be at the Rabbitohs despite a mooted move.

TRUTH BEHIND MAY MOVE

Benji Marshall’s pitch to try and sign Terrell May from the Roosters was easy – and according to May it was a conversation like nothing he had with a coach before.

It was also Marshall, not Jarome Luai, who was pivotal in getting him to the Tigers.

May has made plenty of headlines since his surprising split from the Roosters.

While he was naturally disappointed at the way he exited the club, May said it was an opening conversation with Marshall which helped convince him that the Tigers is where he should be.

“He just told me he was going to put his family first like I do. Family first for me, then footy. It was amazing to hear a coach say that, it’s refreshing,” May said.

“I’ve never heard a coach say that before. I’m keen to play under Benji and I’m going do everything I can and for Benji to pay them back.

“Benji’s amazing, I had him when I was first here. He looked after me as a younger guy and I want to pay him back because he’s the reason I came here, that meeting I had with him.

“It was just amazing to see someone put their family before footy.

“Family first for me, then footy. It was amazing to hear a coach say that, it’s refreshing.

“I’ve never heard a coach say that before. I’m keen to play under Benji and I’m going do everything I can and for Benji to pay them back.”

May was told of the news when in camp with Samoa alongside fellow Tigers recruit Luai. While May and Luai are close, the prop played down the impact Luai had on his signing.

“I grew up with Romey,” May said of Luai.

“I’ve known him since I was like six years old. A lot of people have speculated that I came here because of him. He was a little bit in my ear but I came because I wanted to come.

“He’s blossomed heaps. I remember him always being immature and just that guy that mocks everyone but he’s really taken on his role of leadership.

“It’s surprising to see because I’ve known him as that mocking, young, immature dude. It’s good to see him like this now and hopefully he can prove to all the young boys.”
 
BlackWhiteGold said:
Some interesting bits in Saint, Sinner, Shoosh in the DT.

SAINT

Jarome Luai showing his intent by reporting to Wests Tigers training earlier than expected. He was on the tools this week despite not being due back to training until next Saturday. Luai’s holds the key to the Tigers hopes next season.

SPOTTED

Wests Tigers centre Justin Olam visiting with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape and PNG Tourism Minister Belden Namah at the Hilton Hotel in Sydney recently.

BUNNIES DUNK ON LODGE

Tallis Duncan is on the verge of inking a multi-year extension to remain at South Sydney but one player who is unlikely to join the club next year is Matt Lodge.

The Rabbitohs are close to securing Duncan on a two year deal when his current contract expires at the end of next year. The 22-year-old played 20 games for the Rabbitohs this year. While Duncan looks set to find his long-term home, the Rabbitohs have closed the door on the prospect of securing Lodge.

Lodge had been linked to the club along with John Bateman.

Bateman’s decision to reject the Rabbitohs to most likely sign with North Queensland could have opened the door for Lodge but that does not seem to be the case.

Jock Madden – who was told he is free to leave the Broncos – won’t be at the Rabbitohs despite a mooted move.

TRUTH BEHIND MAY MOVE

Benji Marshall’s pitch to try and sign Terrell May from the Roosters was easy – and according to May it was a conversation like nothing he had with a coach before.

It was also Marshall, not Jarome Luai, who was pivotal in getting him to the Tigers.

May has made plenty of headlines since his surprising split from the Roosters.

While he was naturally disappointed at the way he exited the club, May said it was an opening conversation with Marshall which helped convince him that the Tigers is where he should be.

“He just told me he was going to put his family first like I do. Family first for me, then footy. It was amazing to hear a coach say that, it’s refreshing,” May said.

“I’ve never heard a coach say that before. I’m keen to play under Benji and I’m going do everything I can and for Benji to pay them back.

“Benji’s amazing, I had him when I was first here. He looked after me as a younger guy and I want to pay him back because he’s the reason I came here, that meeting I had with him.

“It was just amazing to see someone put their family before footy.

“Family first for me, then footy. It was amazing to hear a coach say that, it’s refreshing.

“I’ve never heard a coach say that before. I’m keen to play under Benji and I’m going do everything I can and for Benji to pay them back.”

May was told of the news when in camp with Samoa alongside fellow Tigers recruit Luai. While May and Luai are close, the prop played down the impact Luai had on his signing.

“I grew up with Romey,” May said of Luai.

“I’ve known him since I was like six years old. A lot of people have speculated that I came here because of him. He was a little bit in my ear but I came because I wanted to come.

“He’s blossomed heaps. I remember him always being immature and just that guy that mocks everyone but he’s really taken on his role of leadership.

“It’s surprising to see because I’ve known him as that mocking, young, immature dude. It’s good to see him like this now and hopefully he can prove to all the young boys.”
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So Jock Madden is not heading to Rabbits, increasing possibility of Sullivan going there me thinks.
 
BlackWhiteGold said:
So Jock Madden is not heading to Rabbits, increasing possibility of Sullivan going there me thinks.
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Frees up a top 30 spot which is needed, but we still need a good quality halfback to lead our NSW Cup team around and be back up for NRL in case of injuries.
It will be interesting to see who will fill this role.
 
Vicious said:
Frees up a top 30 spot which is needed, but we still need a good quality halfback to lead our NSW Cup team around and be back up for NRL in case of injuries.
It will be interesting to see who will fill this role.
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Likely Doeuihi & depending how he goes in pre-season Eiden Ackland is another option. I rate Max Liles who is JF age eligible again could get a few reps, but yes, ideally someone with a game management head on their shoulders.
 
Anyone go to the training session today? 🫡🔥🔥 Anything interesting, surprising or exciting in terms of player positions, how they look fitness wise, how intense training was compared to previous years, the new recruits etc. please mention??
 
derekderekson said:
Jayden Sullivan has undergone a medical assessment at South Sydney with the Tigers half potentially on the move before the end of the year.

It is understood that Sullivan underwent a medical with South Sydney on Friday with the Rabbitohs keen on adding him into their roster from next season.

But on Saturday, Sullivan was back at the Tigers with the 23-year-old joining the rest of the squad for a fitness session at Concord Oval and showed no signs of a player heading for the exit.

The move will now depend on the Tigers and Rabbitohs reaching an agreement surrounding how much the Tigers are willing to chip in for Sullivan to play elsewhere.

Sullivan is an eye-watering contract worth $700,000 for the next three seasons. That $2.1 million is burning a hole in the Tigers salary cap.

This masthead has reported that the Tigers would be willing to give Sullivan a $900,000 handshake to walk away from the club.

He had been earmarked as a potential starting halfback when he was signed at the Tigers from St George Illawarra for the 2024 season.

Sullivan played just nine games this year and has fallen behind Lachie Galvin, Latu Fainu and new superstar recruit Jarome Luai in competition for the Tigers starting halves spot.



The Rabbitohs are willing to take Sullivan on but for a significantly reduced rate. It remains to be seen how much the Tigers are willing to chip in.



He has rejected multiple interest from Super League clubs and by all reports has impressed at Tigers training since returning this year.

South Sydney have been on the lookout to add some depth to their halves after granting Lachie Ilias a release to join St George Illawarra.

Sullivan might not be the only contracted Tiger on the move before the year ends.

John Bateman, who too was close to joining South Sydney, is on the brink of joining the Cowboys after an unhappy season at the Tigers.
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Love how the media just picks numbers out of a hat. He's on 500-550k a year. No way hes on that much.
 
vlad said:
As if Sullivan is on 700k a year .

These journos pluck numbers out of their wazoos
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Why do you doubt that? It’s easy to scoff at now, but there was a lot of enthusiasm around him when he signed. Plus, he was being positioned as a starting half. And that’s about the going rate for starting halves these days. If that figure is not correct, it’s not far off.
 
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