LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy remained noncommittal when asked about Titans captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, stating it was the first time he had heard of the rumors surrounding the player.
As speculation grows about Fa'asuamaleaui's future, it has been revealed that a clause in his 10-year contract with the Gold Coast allows him to explore options in the open market starting November 1 this year, which potentially enables him to exit his contract early, originally set to run until 2027.
The departure of his younger brother Iszac from the Titans, following his signing with Catalans Dragons in the UK Super League, adds another layer of uncertainty regarding the Queensland Origin star's commitment to the Gold Coast.
Additionally, Brandon Smith, a former Storm player and Fa'asuamaleaui's 2020 premiership teammate in Melbourne, further fueled the speculation by mentioning he had heard a "whisper" about a potential return to the Storm.
"I heard a little whisper. I heard something about Melbourne," Smith said on the Bye Round podcast. "I heard a little whisper. I heard something about Melbourne. Nelson's (Asofa-Solomona) contract's coming up. That's all I'm saying, and he is on big money."
Meanwhile, Asofa-Solomona has faced challenges in returning to the Storm lineup but has been named on an extended bench ahead of an upcoming crucial match against the Bulldogs.