Melbourne Storm chief executive Justin Rodski has confirmed the club will explore a potential reunion with Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, admitting he would “love to have him back” as the Titans skipper prepares to test the market from November 1.
Fa’asuamaleaui’s current deal with the Gold Coast includes a clause that allows him to negotiate with rival clubs, and speculation has been mounting about a possible return to Melbourne, where he began his NRL career.
Speaking on SEN, Rodski didn’t shy away from the Storm’s interest in the Queensland and Kangaroos forward but acknowledged the financial challenge involved in luring him home.
“We’ll explore every single option to strengthen our squad and our list,” Rodski said. “Whether or not it’s someone like Tino - I reckon Tino might come with a hefty price tag on him - we’d love to have him at our club again, but we’ll work through all that.”
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‘We’d love to have him back’ — Storm boss
Rodski said Melbourne is preparing to be active in the market as competition for elite players intensifies with the addition of expansion clubs like the Perth Bears.
“This is a competitive market, and the landscape’s only going to get more difficult,” he said. “We’ll make sure we’re in there and discussing every single player that can add value to our list. Clearly Tino would be a wonderful asset to any club and we’d love to explore that.”
Fa’asuamaleaui’s frustration grows at Titans
The 23-year-old forward is reportedly frustrated by the Titans’ lack of progress since joining the club in 2021. He’s set to play under his third head coach in Josh Hannay next season, following the departures of Justin Holbrook and Des Hasler.
Speaking from Kangaroos camp ahead of the Ashes series, Fa’asuamaleaui said his main priority remains simple.
“Obviously I really want to be at the Titans and I think I’ve said this before - I want to see improvement there and want to start winning there,” he said.
“That’s what I want to see.”