Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
The Wests Tigers have secured five important players for the future within the space of two weeks, easing concerns about the club’s long term stability after Jarome Luai confirmed his departure. The Tigers moved quickly to lock in Terrell May, Taylan May, Jahream Bula, Sunia Turuva and Heamasi Makasini as the club now turns its attention towards retaining Samuela and Latu Fainu.
The retention spree comes at a crucial time for the Tigers as rival clubs and the incoming PNG Chiefs continue to target emerging talent across the NRL. Instead of losing key players, the Tigers have strengthened their roster foundations through to the end of the decade.
Terrell and Taylan May were the first major signatures, with both brothers extending their contracts until the end of the 2030 season despite already being contracted for another 18 months. Their commitments were quickly followed by fullback Jahream Bula, who ended months of speculation surrounding his future.
Bula had attracted strong interest from the Bulldogs and Dragons after establishing himself as one of the NRL’s most exciting young fullbacks. The 2023 Kelly Barnes Medallist and Fiji international has already represented his country six times and remains a central figure in the Tigers rebuild.
Contract discussions with Bula had reportedly stalled earlier in the year, leading to fears he could leave the club. Those concerns disappeared when the 23 year old agreed to remain at Concord until the end of 2030.
The Tigers then secured another major boost when Sunia Turuva rejected interest from the PNG Chiefs to sign a long term extension of his own. Turuva, who was previously off contract at the end of 2027, said the environment created by coach Benji Marshall played a major role in his decision.
“I love it here. It’s been 18 months here and I just love this group of boys and I love what we’re building here and obviously see that we’re heading in the right direction,” Turuva said.
“I was not really sold on the PNG Chiefs. Once I heard that they wanted to re sign, I was quick to get my manager and tell him that I wanted to stay here.”
Turuva also praised Marshall’s coaching style and his ability to connect with players.
“I think he’s got the banter side of things and he just retired recently so he knows how the game is these days,” Turuva said.
“He just lets us be ourselves. He lets us play how we want to play and that’s why a heap of boys are wanting to re sign and stay here to play under Benji.”
The latest retention victory came through rookie centre Heamasi Makasini, who reportedly agreed to a new deal until the end of 2029 according to The Daily Telegraph. Makasini is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in rugby league and had also attracted attention from rugby union pathways.
The powerful outside back has impressed teammates and coaching staff since arriving in the senior system.
“I knew Masi pretty young before he even stepped into SG Ball. We have the same manager, so I’d always see him around,” Samuela Fainu said.
“By the time he came into first grade we already clicked.”
“He was big, agile, strong and seeing him run in the younger groups, you could just see he had the potential to play in the NRL.”
With those five players now secured, the Tigers are prioritising extensions for Samuela and Latu Fainu. Both brothers are considered vital pieces of the club’s long term plans and discussions are already underway.
foxsports.com.au understands negotiations with Samuela Fainu have been progressing for several months, with a proposed extension expected to range between three and five years. The forward has become one of the NRL’s most promising young edge players since joining the Tigers from Manly.
The former Under 19s NSW Blues representative has played 57 matches for the club and developed a reputation for his power running, footwork and ability to break tackles.
“I just try to get more involved in my game. Getting more ball in my hand, talking more and that’s what Benji’s talking to me about,” Fainu said.
“For me, I try to drive the younger boys. Help the younger boys wherever I can.”
The Tigers have also opened preliminary discussions with younger brother Latu Fainu, who is regarded as one of the game’s elite young playmakers. Although injuries and inconsistency have limited his opportunities, the Tongan international remains highly rated throughout the competition.
Former teammate and close family friend Haumole Olakau’atu described Latu as the standout footballer among the brothers growing up.
“Latu was the youngest, but he was the gun,” Olakau’atu said.
“He was probably the best out of us growing up because he had that heart and he wasn’t scared of anyone and their size too.”
The Tigers are expected to continue strengthening their roster by targeting further extensions for several emerging prospects before rival clubs can begin negotiations on November 1. Players including Archie Duncombe, Fonua Pole, Phoenix Godinet, Riley Oitmann and Siotame Havea Jnr are all viewed as important parts of the club’s future.The recent signings underline the confidence players currently have in Marshall’s vision and the direction of the club. After years of instability, the Tigers are building around a young core capable of keeping the side competitive for many seasons.
If the club can finalise new deals for Samuela and Latu Fainu, the Tigers will have secured the backbone of a roster they hope can deliver sustained success deep into the next decade.