Wests Tigers Make Tough Decisions to Secure Key Talent
The Wests Tigers are preparing to make a tough decision by cutting three players—Alex Seyfarth, Royce Hunt, and Starford To’a—in order to secure a significant contract for Samuela Fainu. The club is aiming to offer the rising star a substantial salary to keep him with the team, as he has become a vital part of their second-row since being moved there.
Samuela Fainu, one of three brothers currently at the club, has been a standout performer in the second-row. Initially a middle, he was shifted to the edge due to injuries affecting the Tigers’ lineup. His performance during the first half of 2026 was so impressive that some speculated he could have been a candidate for the State of Origin team, but an injury derailed his progress.
Now set to return to the field later this season, Fainu is expected to seamlessly rejoin the starting side. He is considered one of the most important players the Tigers need to retain. With Jarome Luai set to leave the club at the end of 2027 for the PNG Chiefs, the Tigers have been actively working to keep their key players. Recent signings include Taylan May, Terrell May, Heamasi Makasini, Jahream Bula, and Adam Doueihi, while Alex Twal and Sione Fainu have also re-signed.
Preparing for the Future
Attention is now turning to the end of 2027 when Samuela Fainu will be off-contract. From November 1, he will be free to negotiate with other clubs. According to a report from News Corp, the Tigers are prepared to offer Fainu $750,000 per season. However, they will need to manage their salary cap effectively given the recent wave of re-signings.
Club CEO Shane Richardson emphasized that the valuation reflects what the Tigers believe Fainu is worth. “Samuela is a true superstar,” Richardson said. “I think he’s worth at least $750,000 a season. He’s a line-breaking back-rower who can play 80 minutes without a problem and he’s an excellent defender. There’s no downside to him, he ticks all the boxes.”
Fainu’s positive attitude and potential for growth make him a valuable asset to the team. While the Tigers are focused on securing his future, they must also navigate the contracts of other players.
Managing Contracts and Salary Cap
The three players—Hunt, Seyfarth, and To’a—are not all off-contract at the end of 2027. Hunt is set to be off-contract, but there has been speculation about him moving before then after a disappointing first season at the joint-venture. Previous reports suggested he might move to England, though it’s unclear if that option is still viable.
Seyfarth, a consistent performer for the Tigers, and To’a, who has mainly been on the outside of the 19-man squad, are both off-contract at the end of 2028. They could potentially hold the club to their contracts or seek releases to join other teams. The Tigers would not stand in their way if they choose to move on.
None of these players are on high salaries, but they are all earning more than the minimum. The Tigers could use their development list to replace them, focusing on promoting young talent.
Focusing on Youth Development
Since Justin Pascoe took control of the club, the Tigers have emphasized developing their own juniors. They have invested heavily in pathways and junior recruitment, aiming to bring through fresh faces by 2028. Players like Jack Attard and Tino Tavana are already on development deals until the end of 2027.
The club plans to promote Javon Andrews, Jared Haywood, and Ethan Roberts to their Top 30 next season as part of Benji Marshall’s ongoing rebuild. This focus on youth is a key part of the Tigers’ strategy moving forward.
