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NRL try-scoring freak Solomone Saukuru to debut amid Wests Tigers contract battle
He may be leading try scorer in the NSW Cup, but the Wests Tigers almost gave up on Solomone Saukuru. Now he’s set for his NRL debut and it may be too late for the club, as multiple rivals prepare to poach him.
Tyson Jackson and
George Al-Akiki
He’s the leading tryscorer in the NSW Cup who finally gets his chance to make his NRL debut - but the Wests Tigers face an uphill battle to keep Solomone Saukuru long-term.
The Tigers have only just opened contract extension talks with Saukuru, just weeks after it had appeared there was no future for him at the club.
The joint venture recently changed its tune on the strike centre following a run of good form, but it could be too late, with multiple rivals circling the rising talent.
Before his breakout season in reserve grade this year, Saukuru was described as having raw talent but lacking the work ethic and finishing touches of NRL standard.
The Tigers have only just opened contract extension talks with Solomone Saukuru... but could it be too late to keep him? Picture: Bryden Sharp
Marshall now believes the centre has what it takes to make it in first grade.
“He’s a really good runner of the footy, deceptively fast for his size, pretty smart, intelligent guy, so we just want what he brings to the team,” Marshall said.
“He’s earned his opportunity.
“Everyone’s seen what he’s done at NSW Cup level and from our point of view, we’ve been driving some standards around his weight and his fitness.
“And he’s been meeting them to a tee.
Ardent Tigers fans have been calling for Saukuru’s debut all year, with the barnstorming outside back dominating in the NSW Cup as Marshall ruffled through his centre options.
In 19 games, Saukuru has scored 20 tries in the NSW Cup - the most in the competition.
This masthead can reveal reports indicating the young centre is off to Parramatta next year are off the market, with the Eels instead looking for experience in their 2027 recruitment drive.
Having last signed a contract with the Tigers after the 2022 junior representative season, Saukuru has been forced to bide his time.
Tigers fans have been calling for Saukuru’s debut all year, with the barnstorming outside back dominating in the NSW Cup, with 20 tries in 19 games this year - the most in the competition. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography
Saukuru was one year older than the famous 2022 Harold Matthews Cup grand final Magpies team, which featured the likes of Lachlan Galvin, Talyn Da Silva, Jordan Miller, Heath Mason, and the Laulilii brothers, Kit and Luke.
All bar Mason have their futures sorted at other clubs, with Saukuru yet to make a decision on what 2026 holds for him.
Sunday provides him with an opportunity to prove his worth, however Marshall was tight-lipped about whether Saukuru would be re-signed to the club.
“We don’t really talk about contract stuff publicly, so that’ll take care of itself,” he said.
Saukuru’s family is steeped in rugby league history.
His uncle, Colin, played for the Dragons in the 1990s, while his father, Joseph, is a member of the coaching staff for the Fijian Silktails in the Jersey Flegg competition.
Joseph also coached Dragons centre Moses Suli - Saukuru’s direct opposite on Sunday - when Suli was at Fairfield United in his juniors.
Solomone’s uncle Colin Saukuru playing for St George Illawarra in 1995.
The newest Tiger - along with teammates Latu and Samuela Fainu - acted as a ball boy for the Dragons veteran, looking up to Suli as he progressed to the NRL.
Joseph now splits his time between watching his son play football and travelling to Fiji to help the Silktails build their football program.
Saukuru’s centre partner for this weekend, Patrick Herbert, believes the 21-year-old’s injection into the side is timely in the midst of a seven-game losing streak.
“The thing about him, he just plays footy,” Herbert said.
“Just some of the things he does—he’s got real good athleticism, he’s got energy that’ll probably match Tito (Sunia Turuva) as well.
“So, to have those types of players in our team, it’s just really good to feed off of, especially at this time where we’ve strung a few losses together. It’ll help keep the energy up.”
Herbert also believes coach Marshall has put a focus on the side’s backfield carries this week, an area where Saukuru has thrived during his time in the NSW Cup this year.
(L-R) Solomone Saukuru, Joseph O'Neill & Apisalome Saukuru. Picture: Monique Harmer
“He can get us down the field pretty good, he’s got good yardage carries, very physical, and like a physical presence out on the field,” Herbert said.
“So, being a big boy, and, if he can just hone in on... Just show some aggression, and I reckon he’ll go a long way of just building momentum for us getting down the pitch, which I think we’ve been struggling with.
“With Sol, you don’t want to rev him up. He’s just a happy, chirpy lad, and that stuff just comes naturally as soon as he crosses that white line.”
One of Saukuru’s closest mates, Mason, believes the club’s newest debutant will fit right in.
“He can be quiet, but he’s quite funny,” Mason said.
“When he’s comfortable around the group, he’s a joke star, but he’s very mature as well, so it’s a good mix.”
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