NRL news: Wests Tigers sign Joe Ofahengaue, set to release Josh Aloiai

Wests Tigers will have quite the forward pack in 2021 after a former State of Origin enforcer joined a bevy of new recruits and resignings.

Shawn Blore has re-signed with the Tigers

Joe Ofahengaue has confirmed his Brisbane exit by updating his Instagram profile as an “ex-Bronco.”

Ofahengaue’s social medial account lists his biography as ex-Brisbane Broncos player No.212 but he is yet to update the blurb to indicate his new club – the Wests Tigers. He has however followed the Tigers on Instagram and unfollowed the Broncos.

Josh Alolai – who Ofahengaue will replace – has followed the Sea Eagles on Instagram and will officially join the club next week.

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Joe Ofahengaue’s arrival at Wests should signal the end of the Josh Aloiai saga.

The deal is expected to be for three seasons with the Broncos contributing six figures in the first two years to ensure the deal was agreed upon. Ofahengaue still had two years left on his Broncos contract but was free to negotiate with rivals. The Dragons expressed an interest in the 25-year-old but withdrew their offer last week.

The signing should also allow Tigers to release Josh Aloiai after his public falling out with the club. Picture: AAP.

Ofahengaue is another positive signing for the Tigers joining the likes of James Roberts, James Tamou and Stefano Utoikamanu at the club next season. They also re-signed emerging back-rower Shawn Blore and secured Penrith fullback Daine Laurie from 2022.

Alolai will now be free to link up with the Sea Eagles on a three-year deal as a replacement for Addin Fonua-Blake.

The Sea Eagles have also expressed an interest in Tigers back-rower Luke Garner.

Joe Ofahengaue still had two years remaining on his Broncos contract but was given permission to negotiate with rival. Picture: Annette Dew.

TIGERS LOCK UP 20-YEAR-OLD FORMER JUNIOR KANGAROO

—Fatima Kdouh

The Wests Tigers have moved to secure boom forward Shawn Blore, signing the youngster on a two-year deal.

Blore was off-contract at the end of 2021 but rather than test the open market over the summer, the 20-year old committed his future to the Concord club.

While there have been suggestions Michael Maguire’s tough love approach at the Tigers has become a deterrent to attracting and retaining players, Blore credited the coach as a reason for wanting to remain at Concord.

“Madge really took me under his wing and he’s been really good to me,” Blore said.

Shawn Blore has re-signed with the Tigers.

“I’ve already learnt things this pre-season already from him. I’m excited to work all the little things that he’s been teaching into my game. It’s something I am excited to work on with him because he takes the time to speak with me and I appreciate that. I’m excited to work with him for another two years”

Blore, who was a product of the Penrith development pathway, was released by the Panthers to join the Tigers in 2020.

Shawn Blore played for the Australian Schoolboys.

Waiting for signing news like… 👀 pic.twitter.com/VhXCn0KfXa

— Wests Tigers (@WestsTigers) November 24, 2020

The junior Kangaroo and NSW under 18’s backrower made his highly anticipated NRL debut earlier this year in round 11 against Parramatta.

Blore made a memorable debut and made headlines for his running battle against Eels enforcer Nathan Brown.

Blore played five games in 2020 and it’s expected he will become a mainstay in Maguire’s top 17 next year.

“It’s good to get a debut out the way and just focus on myself being the best I can this year,” he said.

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“My focus for this pre-season was just to get fit because I know I have so much more in me. Obviously last year it was nice to get a few games under my belt but personally, I know I have a lot more in the tank and I have a lot more to give to this club. I’m even more excited to start playing football for Wests Tigers.”

While Blore is locked in at the Tigers, there is still some uncertainty about the future of forward Josh Aloiai. The Samoan international is agitating for a release from the final year of his deal to join the Manly Sea Eagles. The club is working to have the issues resolved by November 30.

Originally published as NRL news: Wests Tigers sign Joe Ofahengaue, set to release Josh Aloiai