The race for Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has exploded into one of the hottest bargaining chips in the NRL, with the Sydney Roosters now emerging as the potential suitor worrying rival clubs most.
Melbourne Storm, Perth Bears and St George Illawarra have all been linked in recent weeks, with the representative forward one of the hottest names on the NRL market.
Fa’asuamaleaui remains contracted to the Titans until 2033 but has clauses that could allow him to leave as early as the end of 2026, and he is widely reported to be seeking up to $1.5 million per season.
Whispers out of recruitment circles now say the Roosters are preparing a serious play, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
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The Roosters face a tricky problem, however — they already have a stacked middle rotation featuring Spencer Leniu, Naufahu Whyte and Lindsay Collins.
The impending exit of Mark Nawaqanitawase to the 15-man code will free up meaningful cap space though, and the Roosters are still yet to re-sign star back-rower Angus Crichton.
Those possible exits, coupled with the fact the Roosters have shed several star players in the last few seasons, would not make it impossible to have the funds to pay for the Titans enforcer — it would simply be a case of how they can adjust their rotation.
Leniu may also be the odd man out in future plans, with the fiery middle on contract for two more years but able to negotiate for a new deal in less than 12 months.
While Leniu has had some big performances for the Tricolours, he has also endured controversy, lengthy suspensions and inconsistent form that has not seen him hit the heights he did at Penrith.
While many have speculated Fa’asuamaleaui would likely stay at the Titans or take the money on offer at the Dragons or Bears, the fact he has stated he is considering his options because he wants to contend for a premiership puts the Roosters in good stead if they make a play.
The combination of available money and a family link to Bondi has only amplified speculation the Tricolours could pull off a seismic signing, with Fa’asuamaleaui's father having previously played for the Roosters.
Fa’asuamaleaui has repeatedly stressed his desire to stay at the Titans if the club can show progress, saying: “I do really want to stay at the Titans, but I want to see things improve around the place and that’s (by) winning.”
Yet with multiple clubs prepared to chase him and expansion teams ready to spend big, the market for the 25-year-old forward looks set to become one of the fiercest hunts the game has seen in years.