The Wests Tigers have given up on another potential recruit in favor of pursuing Jarome Luai.
A versatile Manly forward may be leaving the Raiders, and the team is bracing for Corey Harawira-Naera to be out for an extended period of time.
See below for the most recent NRL Transfer Rumors.
There is a cost associated with the Wests Tigers’ high-spending pursuit of Jarome Luai. It indicates that the team has shelved its plans to sign Justin Olam in exchange for Shawn Blore.
The Tigers and Olam were reportedly negotiating over a quick move that would have allowed Blore to sign with the Storm, as was made public last month.
However, News Corp reports that these discussions have been postponed while the Tigers focus all of their resources on pursuing Luai.
Since November 1, Luai has been free to negotiate with rivals as his contract expires at the end of 2024.
The Bulldogs have also entered the race for Luai, and the Tigers are rumored to have presented the three-time premiership-winning five-eighth with a four-year offer worth $1.125 million a season.
Olam has lost favor with the Storm; in fact, during the previous season, the PNG international was demoted to the Queensland Cup. Nonetheless, the 29-year-old is now anticipated to stay in Melbourne for the upcoming campaign, given the Tigers’ shift in attitude.
Although his contract is set to expire at the end of 2026, the Storm would be open to releasing him sooner.
Given that Warrington coach Sam Burgess reportedly considered signing Olam a few months ago, there might be interest from overseas, according to News Corp.
News Corp. reports that Corey Harawira-Naera, the forward for the Raiders, will have a crucial meeting in January, marking a significant milestone in deciding his playing future.
After having a seizure on the field in May, the 28-year-old stopped playing.
After meeting with a specialist this week, he may have to face the possibility that his career is over, according to News Corp. However, after a meeting in January, he will have more clarity.
According to News Corp, the Raiders are moving swiftly and bracing themselves for the worst case scenario. The team has applied for a salary cap exemption while he is injured.
Karl Lawton may be heading overseas, as News Corp. reports he is in negotiations with Super League clubs.
Due to injuries, Lawton has only played in 35 first grade games during his three seasons with Manly. He was told, along with other players, that he was free to leave the team if he could find another one.
Experienced forward Nathan Brown has a strong chance of moving up from a train-and-trial to the Top 30 if he decides to leave.
