I work in media, not as a journo, but I can tell you that our journos are constantly fishing for a story.
Im using 99% as metaphorical.
I think Olam here would be much like JAC at the Dogs... It just don't work for whatever reason for most ex storm players going elsewhere
Yep, but I don't think those orange and green traffic markers are allowed on NRL fields.
Sheens eased 17 yo Bunji in 2003. 2 years later pay day 2005.
I kinda guessed that Olam would be out of the picture once we resigned Staines.
Best news so far. Olam was always a dodgy move due to Melbourne's disinterest in him.
Then 5 injury riddled years
We could offer him $5m per year. Got nothing to do with Penrith releasing him early
So there were talks, but we want Storm to take up a large chunk of Olam's horrible contract. Rightfully so. Storm have thus far not obliged.NRL News: Tigers sideline Justin Olam talks, ARL considers State of Origin eligibility change
The Wests Tigers’ pursuit of Jarome Luai has cost the club a backline recruit, while there’s a potential Origin eligibility shake-up on the cards – all in the SUNDAY SESH!
Brent Read and Michael Carayannis
Rugby League: The Penrith Panthers are pleased to confirm that the club will travel to England to contest the World Club Challenge against Super League Champions Wigan Warriors.
The Wests Tigers have sidelined talks with Melbourne Storm centre Justin Olam as they focus their energy – and money – on signing Penrith superstar Jarome Luai.
This masthead revealed last month that the Tigers had opened talks with Olam over a potential move to Concord, part of a plan that would have seen Tigers forward Shawn Blore make an early switch to the Storm.
However, it is understood that the Tigers opted to put talks with Olam on the back burner earlier this week while they prioritise their pursuit of Luai.
The Tigers have launched a big-money bid for the three-time premiership winning half, making an offer more than a week ago believed to be worth in excess of $4.5 million over four seasons.
The Wests Tigers have put talks with other players on hold, as they focus on landing Jarome Luai. Picture: Getty Images
Club powerbroker had another meeting with Luai this week aimed at convincing the Samoan pivot to commit to the cause.
The decision to end talks with Olam comes as the Bulldogs enter the race for Luai after head of football Phil Gould personally intervened to pitch the club to the Panthers playmaker.
Gould also retains an interest in Warriors captain Addin Fonua-Blake, who has been given permission to explore his options in Sydney with a view to moving back home in 12 months.
The Tigers are also interested in Fonua-Blake but they had earmarked Olam to strengthen a backline in dire need to experience and strike.
The Storm were happy for the Tigers to go after the Papua New Guinean international given he had struggled at times this season, having been dropped and then won his spot back for the finals.
The Tiger’s focus on Luai could cost them out of favour Storm centre Justin Olam. Picture: NRL Photos
However, Luai comes with a steep price tag and the Tigers need all the room they can create under the salary cap to accommodate his wage demands.
Olam is now expected to remain at the Storm, although he also has interest from Super League after Warrington coach Sam Burgess explored the options of signing the hard-hitting centre a few months ago.
Blore’s future is unclear given he is expected to leave the Tigers at the end of 2024 and the club could use his salary cap space to strengthen their bids for Luai and Fonua-Blake.
You've just outed yourself as povo. The ads are based on whatever you look at online or talk about in emails etc .
100%. Whether it's Benji or Fulton, negotiating seems to be improving.
I completely agree. I reckon they are showing Melbourne that we are happy to walk away from taking Olam unless they come back and agree to pay a decent percentage. They are the ones who want him gone.
head over there then sweetheart if you’re so enthralled by what’s going on out there.
I accidentally click on them all the time 😢
Eh a decade of missing the finals will do that to a place. Should have been here after 2005.
