The Tigers have reportedly tabled a mammoth five-year extension to star prop Stefano Utoikamanu worth a whopping $4 million.
That is according to the SMH, who are reporting Tigers powerbrokers are desperately trying to stop the middle forward from hitting the open market.
He becomes a free agent unless he plays two Origin games for the Blues this season, however that contract clause isn’t activated if the Tigers play finals football.
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The option in his contract is reportedly worth between $600,000 to $700,000, and it looks unlikely he will play Origin or finals football, meaning rival clubs will be able to pounce.
Tigers powerbrokers reportedly tabled their fresh contract offer following Michael Maguire’s Blues team announcement for the series opener.
Tigers chief Shane Richardson and Utoikamanu’s agent Daniel O’Loughlin reportedly want to have his contract situation resolved before it’s confirmed Benji Marshall’s outfit won’t make the top eight.
The club are desperately hoping to avoid a situation in which they are left with minimal time to replace their key forward ahead of the 2025 season.
In a further twist, Utoikamanu’s agent will reportedly seek permission from the club to negotiate with rivals should he miss out on selection for Game II.
The Tigers reportedly want Utoikamanu to be a key figure alongside Jarome Luai for years to come, with backrower Isaiah Papali’i already departing for the Panthers in 2025.
Meanwhile, ust half a season into his Wests Tigers tenure, Jayden Sullivan’s time in Concord might be up.
The embattled club is reportedly looking to undertake a cleanout, as it continues to transition forward from the Tim Sheens and – former recruitment officer – Scott Fulton era.
Sullivan is contracted until the end of 2027 and reportedly on around $500,000 to $600,000 per-season.
It’s a hefty spend for a half that finds himself below Aiden Sezer and rookie Lachlan Galvin in the pecking order, plus the club has secured the services of Jarome Luai from next season as well.
Meanwhile, Adam Doueihi is expected to return from his ACL injury around July, however he is without a contract for the 2025 season.
Super League outfit Hull FC is reportedly interested in Sullivan, as the club looks to replace Fa’amanu Brown, who is now back in the NRL according to Sky Sports reporter Jenna Brooks.
In an ironic twist, Brown joined Sullivan’s former club the Dragons in April – contracted until the end of this season.
CEO Shane Richardson is in the UK on business, which has also caused a stir, reportedly looking for recruits but also find new homes for players currently on the Tigers books.
Sullivan, Charlie Staines and Brent Naden are all rumoured to be in the shop front window.
Meanwhiile, utility Jake Simpkin is also reportedly being shopped to the Sea Eagles.
Richardson is managing the Wests Tigers’ roster decisions while the recruitment officer role remains vacant.
RABBITOHS’ SHARKS RAID
The Rabbitohs are reportedly looking to raid Cronulla’s stocks, as the neighbouring club continues its search for reinforcements.
Ahead of Wayne Bennett’s impending Redfern return, South Sydney is conjuring up ways to support its middle forward rotation.
According to veteran journalist Phil Rothfield, the Rabbitohs are interested in poaching Sharks prop Royce Hunt – and they’re ready to table an offer that Cronulla cannot.
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“Souths are interested in Royce Hunt,” he said on Big Sports Breakfast.
“They’ve got a bit of cap money left.
“Souths have been desperately short of middle forward strength, haven’t they?
“Cronulla have got a number of very similar middle forwards they roll off the bench all the time.”
The catch is that Hunt inked a two-year extension in May last year, seeing him locked up until the end of the 2025 season.
Under current regulations, rival teams are not able seal Hunt’s signature from 2026 and beyond until November 1 this year.
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To secure Hunt’s signature, Souths will need the Sharks to be willing to play ball and explore granting an immediate release.
“Souths are going to talk to the Sharks about offering him a long term deal, which Cronulla can’t do, and maybe he’ll jump ship this year,” Rothfield added.
Hunt has been in and out of the Sharks’ top grade, having played six NRL games and three with Newtown in the NSW Cup.
There’s no word as to whether the Sharks would be open to releasing Hunt, or any of its players, during this season.
Cronulla now finds itself in a mini form slump, having lost two straight and conceded an average of 35 points across the last three weeks.