NRL 2023: Wests Tigers seek to poach Tyson Frizell from Knights

The Wests Tigers are looking to add yet another representative forward to their already stacked pack, but they have plenty of competition.

Shaun Johnson has knocked back an offer to join the Wests Tigers. Picture: Getty Images

Wests Tigers are considering making a play for Newcastle veteran Tyson Frizell who is on the cusp of an Origin recall.

The Tigers will have about $500,000 salary cap freed up next year as soon as they allow Joe Ofahengaue to join the Eels immediately. The decision to grant Ofahengaue a release from the remaining two-and-a-half years of his contract has now opened the door for the club to potentially make a move for Frizell who is off-contract at the end of the season.

Frizell shares a close bond with incoming Tigers coach Benji Marshall after the pair struck up a friendship during the three seasons they spent alongside each other at St George Illawarra. The Knights have put an offer together to keep Frizell, but the club are trying to navigate through a tricky salary cap situation.

Tyson Frizell with Jason Nightingale (middle) and Benji Marshall (right). Credit: Instagram.

The Tigers have a stack of forwards soaking up a large chunk of their salary cap even in lieu of Ofahengaue. With Frizell most comfortable on an edge, his arrival may force the likes of internationals John Bateman or Isaiah Papali‘I into the middle of the field.

Frizell has been rejuvenated this year – and is expected to be rewarded with a return to the Origin arena for the first time since 2020.

He claimed Newcastle’s player of the year award last year and, at 31, has shown there are still plenty of miles left in his body.

The Tigers may have to offer a three-year deal to entice him out of Newcastle, where he has just recently purchased a home with his wife and young children.

The Tigers are not the only club contemplating making a play for Frizell. The Bulldogs are also keeping an eye on Frizell‘s contract status.

The Knights are in a fight to retain Tyson Frizell. Picture: Getty Images

Canterbury are looking to add experience to their forward back in 2024 and would view Frizell as an ideal recruit.

The Tigers would also have significant money freed should Luke Brooks decide to end his stay at the club.

Tigers coach Tim Sheens made it clear on Friday that the club would make Brooks a multi-year offer, but he may decide to look elsewhere.

Even if he stays, he will take a significant cut on his current salary, which is well north of $1 million.

Former Knights player and recruitment officer Alex McKinnon said he was surprised Frizell was still on the market.

Tyson Frizell with Ben Creagh (left) and Benji Marshall (right). Credit: Instagram.

“Frizell has been Newcastle’s best player this year, but he’s off contract at the end of the season, meaning he could sign with a rival club today,” McKinnon wrote in his Fox Sports column.

“The club has really struggled for leadership over the past 10 years and they finally have a man to follow in Frizell.

“The Knights simply cannot afford to lose a player like Tyson Frizell. Not only do they lack depth there but there’s a shortage league wide.”

Newcastle duo Daniel Saifiti and Bradman Best have been linked with a move away from the club.

LUKE BROOKS TO CASH IN AT WESTS TIGERS AFTER SJ SNUB

Shaun Johnson won’t be at the Wests Tigers after telling the club he would not join them next year as the Tigers prepare to offer maligned half Luke Brooks a new deal.

The off-contract Warriors star is yet to make a final decision on his playing future but he has told the Tigers he was not willing to relocate with his young family to Australia again. It is understood he informed the Tigers of the news on Friday.

Despite rejecting the Tigers, Johnson is yet to agree to any deal with the Warriors after a career rejuvenation this year. Instead he wanted to provide the Tigers some clarity after they put to him a two year deal wort about $650,000 a year. Johnson met with incoming Tigers coach Benji Marshall last week when the Warriors were in Sydney ahead of their clash against Canterbury.

(L-R) Luke Brooks and Shaun Johnson.

He spent the past few days contemplating the decision with the Warriors having the bye this week.

The Warriors will make room for Johnson if he elects to play on at the end of the season. They would offer a 12-month extension. As it stands though the parties do not have a deal secured. It is also unclear if Johnson wants to continue his decorated career.

While Johnson made his intentions known so too have the Wests Tigers regarding Brooks. Brooks is off-contract at the end of the season and the Tigers are in the midst of putting together a deal to keep him at the club beyond this year.

Tigers coach Tim Sheens said a contract offer was imminent with the Tigers having the bye next week.

Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens is keen to retain Luke Brooks.

“As far as I’m concerned he will be here,” Sheens said. “We will be making him an offer. It comes down to how much that offer is and what other people are thinking and what he is thinking. That will happen in the next week and a half. Through our bye. There is a bit to do yet. I’ve always had my eye on keeping Brooksy. I’m keen to keep him happy and keep him here.

“I’ve spoken to his agent. We will be making him an offer.”

Whether Brooks wants to remain at the Tigers is unclear after requesting a release to join Newcastle last year. Sheens has been a long-time backer of Brooks.

The 28-year-old will become just the fifth player to play 200 games for the Wests Tigers when he runs out onto Leichhardt Oval against the Cowboys on Saturday.

“I signed him as a kid to a long-term deal as a club,” Sheens said. “He is a smart kid. In 2018 he was Dally M half of the year. He has had his big moments and he is playing good footy at the moment. He listens and wants to learn. He is keen to learn and enjoying it.

“No one whinged about him in 2018. I wasn’t at the club from after 2012 until now. I’m not worried about what’s happened. Neither is he.

“At the moment he is happy to be playing.”

Originally published as NRL 2023: Wests Tigers seek to poach Tyson Frizell from Knights