LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Gold Coast Titans captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui has announced his intention to enter the open market on November 1, aiming for a contract worth up to $1.5 million annually.
Currently participating in the Ashes with the Kangaroos, Fa'asuamaleaui is set to return to numerous potential offers from various clubs. The Perth Bears, Melbourne Storm, and St George Illawarra Dragons are among the teams likely to vie for his talents, along with possibly other Sydney clubs.
His existing contract with the Titans includes player options starting from 2027, which enables him to become a free agent beginning November 1, coinciding with other players whose contracts expire at the end of 2026.
The Titans are understandably eager to retain their captain. Although Fa'asuamaleaui has affirmed that he does not intend to leave the club and is willing to give new head coach Josh Hannay time to make improvements, he admitted to News Corp that he will explore his market value.
As a representative for Queensland in the State of Origin, Fa'asuamaleaui has signaled that a decision on his future won't come hastily, providing the Titans an opportunity to enhance their performance before he chooses his next step.
"An NRL career is so short - you've got to be smart and use your brain," he remarked. He further stated, "I'm not going to beat around the bush, but yeah, I'll be on the open market. When November ticks around, it will feel a bit weird."