Wests Tigers Act Swiftly to Secure Key Players
The Wests Tigers have taken immediate action to secure their future by re-signing two key players, Taylan and Terrell May, following the departure of Jarome Luai to Papua New Guinea. This move is part of a broader strategy to retain talent as several high-profile players approach the end of their contracts.
Luai is set to join the Chiefs in 2028 and is expected to play a significant role in attracting other top-tier players to the new franchise. Both the Panthers, his former club, and the Tigers will have a number of players becoming free agents at the end of 2027. Many of these players are likely to follow Luai’s lead and seek opportunities with the Chiefs.
The Chiefs’ inaugural coach, Willie Peters, is currently coaching Tyrone May at Hull KR in England. The May brothers—Terrell, Taylan, and Tyrone—have expressed a desire to play together one day. It has been speculated that if Peters can sign Tyrone, it could significantly influence Terrell and Taylan to leave the Tigers.
However, the Wests Tigers announced on Friday that both Terrell and Taylan have signed extensions to remain at Leichhardt until the end of 2030. Terrell was already earning $700,000 per year at the Tigers, while Taylan was on approximately $600,000. Both players will receive pay increases to keep them at the club, resulting in a combined salary of about $1.5 million per season.
Terrell had previously discussed an extension with the Tigers last year before the departure of former CEO Shane Richardson. The Samoan front-rower had voiced concerns about the delay in resolving his future. After Luai’s departure, interim chief executive Shaun Mielekamp made it a top priority to secure May’s long-term commitment.
“We’re so happy to have Terrell and Taylan locked in with us long term,” coach Benji Marshall said on Friday. “They both bring so many things on and off the field to our club. I love who they are and what they stand for. What’s clear with both boys is they are ‘all in’ and committed to where we are heading as a club and are both integral parts of our team.”
Terrell added: “We love it here and to have our future secured at the Tigers until 2030 is something special. Family is so important to us and it’s something that drew me to the club in the first place. I can’t speak highly enough of Benji and the staff for the support they give us to be ourselves on and off the field.”
Focusing on Jahream Bula
In addition to securing the May brothers, the Wests Tigers are also looking to re-sign fullback Jahream Bula. Luai’s departure has freed up $2.4 million in salary cap space for 2028 and 2029, making Bula a key target for the club.
The Tigers have a ‘club option’ in their favor that needs to be activated by mid-May, which would trigger a one-year extension for Bula. However, the club prefers to lock him down with a long-term deal.
“We’ve got a couple of weeks and we’ll use those weeks,” Mielekamp said. Coach Benji Marshall emphasized that Bula’s signature has always been a priority, and it hasn’t become any more important with Luai’s departure.
Brent Read, speaking on NRL 360, commented: “I think they’ll work hard to get something done in the next couple of weeks. My gut feeling is that Jahream would probably stay (but) there’s a couple reason why he wouldn’t. The main reason why he wouldn’t is if he doesn’t get a deal done and at the moment they haven’t been able to get a deal done.”
