LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Two rival Sydney clubs have emerged as contenders for Titans captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, who is exploring offers from interested teams as his contract situation unfolds. The Queensland and Gold Coast forward is currently bound to the Gold Coast Titans until 2033, with a significant deal worth $1.2 million per season. However, he has a clause that permits him to leave after the 2027 season, allowing him to communicate with rival clubs starting November 1 of this year.
His agent, Simon Mammino, has suggested that they will have discussions with Mal Meninga and the Perth Bears later this year. Still, he noted that Fa'asuamaleaui's top choice remains the Gold Coast, where he is well-settled with his partner and three kids, supported by an extensive family network. "We will have a look around (on November 1), but that's because we don't really know what's going on at the club at the moment," Mammino stated. "Tino would probably prefer to stay. We just want to see some decisions made that the club is stable."
While the Perth Bears are showing strong interest in Fa'asuamaleaui as a potential marquee signing, two Sydney clubs are also vying for his talents. Sports reporter Phil Rothfield has shared that the Dragons are preparing to make a historic offer, aiming to secure Fa'asuamaleaui with the richest deal in the club's history, positioning him as a key figure in leading their emerging forwards.
Additionally, the Canterbury Bulldogs have joined the fray, hoping to add him to their already impressive forward lineup. "I am told St George have gone in with an absolutely massive offer. It will be the richest offer in St George Illawarra history for the player. The ideal man to lead all those emerging forwards coming through. The other story, the Canterbury Bulldogs," Rothfield mentioned on Triple M's NRL Daily.
Rothfield further claimed that acquiring Fa'asuamaleaui could solidify the Bulldogs' chances for a premiership-winning forward pack, especially with Leo Thompson already signed through to 2026. However, reporter Brent Read noted that the financial offer from the Perth Bears would significantly surpass any deals from the Sydney clubs, complicating Fa'asuamaleaui's decision.