mtd#2
Well-known member
As far as the public record goes, the Fainus havent dictated a thing, whilst AD skipped a game because he didnt like where he was named.
They are not comparable.
Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion
- Thread starter MacDougall
- Start date
As far as the public record goes, the Fainus havent dictated a thing, whilst AD skipped a game because he didnt like where he was named.
They are not comparable.
wstigers11
Well-known member
- Samuela Fainu is set to sign a two year extension at WT, rejecting the chance to hit free agency. The extension will be worth $1.6 million, less than he would’ve commanded on the open market, amid interest from at least three rival clubs (Telegraph)
pawsandclaws1
Well-known member
Thanks for the great news.
BlackWhiteGold
Well-known member
Tigers’ on brink of $1.6m coup to keep rising star from hitting open market
The Wests Tigers look set to claim a much-needed recruitment victory, with young talent Samuela Fainu rejecting the prospect of hitting the open market in favour of returning to Concord.
Peter Badel
October 21, 2026 - 11:09AM
Wests Tigers have scored a coup with boom forward Samuela Fainu set to reject going to free agency and stay loyal to the embattled club by inking a $1.6 million upgrade.
This masthead can reveal Fainu is in the advanced stages of negotiations on a two-year extension to remain at the Wests Tigers until the end of 2029.
Rugby League World Cup 2026 returns to Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. from 15 October to 15 November. Get your tickets now.
There were fears the blockbusting back rower could head to November 1 to test his value on the open market amid interest from three NRL rivals who were waiting to pounce.
There was an additional lure in the tax-free dollars on offer from Papua New Guinea, who are on the lookout for quality forwards after a string of backline signings led by Fainu’s former Tigers teammate Jarome Luai.
But Fainu will follow in the footsteps of his brother Sione by pledging his future to the Wests Tigers, who are confident of formalising the upgrade before the free-market frenzy begins on Sunday week.
It is understood Fainu’s base deal will be worth around $800,000 a season. The contract will contain ratchet clauses commensurate with an increase in the NRL salary cap for 2028 and beyond, which would see Fainu’s upgraded deal nudge the $1 million mark.
The powerful back-rower made his NRL debut with Manly in 2023 and has since become a key part of the Tigers’ forward pack, playing 60 games over the past three seasons.
With Sione secured and Samuela poised to sign, the Tigers will turn their attention to retaining the third element of the Fainu brothers in playmaker Latu, who is off-contract next year and currently on World Cup duties with Tonga.
The 22-year-old Samuela could have commanded more money on the open market but is prepared to back Benji Marshall in the coach’s blueprint to make the Tigers a finals force.
Former Tigers CEO Shane Richardson told this masthead recently the club could not afford Samuela, who scored four tries from 16 appearances this season.
“Samuela is as good as it gets,” Richardson said.
“Samuela is a true superstar.
“I think he’s worth at least $750,000 a season.
“He’s a line-breaking back-rower who can play 80 minutes without a problem and he’s an excellent defender. There’s no downside to him, he ticks all the boxes.
“He’s a great kid with a great attitude and he’s only going to get better.
“There’s no doubt for me he can play State of Origin - Samuela is the future of the club.”
The Wests Tigers look set to claim a much-needed recruitment victory, with young talent Samuela Fainu rejecting the prospect of hitting the open market in favour of returning to Concord.
Peter Badel
October 21, 2026 - 11:09AM
Wests Tigers have scored a coup with boom forward Samuela Fainu set to reject going to free agency and stay loyal to the embattled club by inking a $1.6 million upgrade.
This masthead can reveal Fainu is in the advanced stages of negotiations on a two-year extension to remain at the Wests Tigers until the end of 2029.
Rugby League World Cup 2026 returns to Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. from 15 October to 15 November. Get your tickets now.
There were fears the blockbusting back rower could head to November 1 to test his value on the open market amid interest from three NRL rivals who were waiting to pounce.
There was an additional lure in the tax-free dollars on offer from Papua New Guinea, who are on the lookout for quality forwards after a string of backline signings led by Fainu’s former Tigers teammate Jarome Luai.
But Fainu will follow in the footsteps of his brother Sione by pledging his future to the Wests Tigers, who are confident of formalising the upgrade before the free-market frenzy begins on Sunday week.
It is understood Fainu’s base deal will be worth around $800,000 a season. The contract will contain ratchet clauses commensurate with an increase in the NRL salary cap for 2028 and beyond, which would see Fainu’s upgraded deal nudge the $1 million mark.
The powerful back-rower made his NRL debut with Manly in 2023 and has since become a key part of the Tigers’ forward pack, playing 60 games over the past three seasons.
With Sione secured and Samuela poised to sign, the Tigers will turn their attention to retaining the third element of the Fainu brothers in playmaker Latu, who is off-contract next year and currently on World Cup duties with Tonga.
The 22-year-old Samuela could have commanded more money on the open market but is prepared to back Benji Marshall in the coach’s blueprint to make the Tigers a finals force.
Former Tigers CEO Shane Richardson told this masthead recently the club could not afford Samuela, who scored four tries from 16 appearances this season.
“Samuela is as good as it gets,” Richardson said.
“Samuela is a true superstar.
“I think he’s worth at least $750,000 a season.
“He’s a line-breaking back-rower who can play 80 minutes without a problem and he’s an excellent defender. There’s no downside to him, he ticks all the boxes.
“He’s a great kid with a great attitude and he’s only going to get better.
“There’s no doubt for me he can play State of Origin - Samuela is the future of the club.”
Betterdays22
Well-known member
If true that is phenomenal business from the club. Good money and length.
If the price of that is Manase having a run for Ryde-Eastwood then I am ok with that...
Betterdays22
Well-known member
You are getting upset over a hypothetical. It really isn't worth debating until you have some facts
LeichhardtTiger
Well-known member
Yep, don't wait to be told, we need Palmolive Black, White & Gold!
Canadian Club
Well-known member
Lines up with what I was told a couple weeks ago and posted on here. Latu should also be done.
800k is a good price based on the cap increases and his young age.
wstigers11
Well-known member
Great mail mate
Wonder if we should defend latu in the centres to protect him from himself?
Rock Hopper Steve
Well-known member
Good news about the Fainu's, Sam would've been a devastating loss, guess that leaves Pole to extend now.
This leaves the crap season in the rear-view mirror now, signings and extension news give you a better feeling.
To top it off, wait for the classic we've had the hardest off season ever through the summer.
This leaves the crap season in the rear-view mirror now, signings and extension news give you a better feeling.
To top it off, wait for the classic we've had the hardest off season ever through the summer.
mikey
Well-known member
No sandhills left at Kurnell. HBG will hire a sandpit in a local park.
BlackWhiteGold
Well-known member
I wonder whether Benji's contract length will impact the Fainus like it did with the Mays.
Rock Hopper Steve
Well-known member
With all the knives coming for them mikey it looks like their noses are going to be rubbed in the sandpit.
WesternSuburbsBoy
Well-known member
The best player at the club has re-signed how good !!!
TigerBurnsy
Well-known member
And not for overs either
TigerBurnsy
Well-known member
What’s the money like for latu, I’m guessing 400 k to complete the rumoured 1.2m package
TigerBurnsy
Well-known member
If we play ad at centre, we could have him defend at half and latu defend at centre. But I’d do the classic Benji trick, defend latu on the wing and move the others in
I see it as very different. I've no problem any player negotiating anything into their next contract. No matter how ridiculous they have the right to negotiate it and if it has been agreed upon by the club then good on them. It is different making new demands under pre-existing terms.
If AD negotiated that he will extend but only if he is the starting half then that is on the club for agreeing to that stipulation. That is different to having a whinge when already on agreed terms that do not stipulate positions.
I've no issue with the Fainus saying their priority is to be with a club that will also take on their brother. It is for the club to decide if they want to do so. If they had an existing contract and said we won't play again until you sign our brother that would be different.
Also a little different if it is sign our brother or were leaving and sign our brother or we are leaving for a club that will.
Then add in the difference between the self centred motivation of making positional demands and the somewhat altruistic motivation of looking out for your brother.
I get your point in that in both cases players are somewhat making demands of the club. I just think they are very different scenarios and don't believe it is hypocrisy to be fine with one and not the other.
