Enforcer’s mid-season Eels switch blocked at last minute in embarrassing Tigers backflip

The Tigers have been called out for an embarrassing backflip after a forward’s mid-season switch to a rival club was blocked at a ridiculous stage.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 01: Joe Ofahengaue of the Tigers is seen during the warm up before the round five NRL match between Brisbane Broncos and Wests Tigers at Suncorp Stadium on April 01, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Joe Ofahengaue’s mid-season switch from the Tigers to the Eels has been blocked after his current club informed him his services were needed in Round 12.

Despite reportedly undergoing a medical with Parramatta doctors, the 27-year-old won’t be able to depart the club until Tigers bosses approve the move according to the SMH.

Ofahengaue is contracted with the merger club until the end of 2025 and the Eels were reportedly preparing to sign him on a two-and-a-half year deal.

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It is understood Ofahengaue and his agent agreed to terms on the deal with the Eels on Wednesday night and he was told he was free to leave.

He even headed to the Eels’ Kellyville base the following morning to meet his potential new coaches and was preparing to suit up for their NSW Cup clash with South Sydney on Friday night.

According to a source within the Tigers club, a recruitment and retention meeting on Wednesday night, however, decided Ofahengaue’s release would be delayed until after the weekend.

Joe Ofahengaue will be moving to the Eels. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

If he takes the field this weekend for the Tigers against the Cowboys Ofahengaue will have to complete another medical to make his cross-town switch.

The deal reportedly won’t be confirmed until next week and any injuries could see Ofahengaue remain at the Tigers.

Brad Arthur has been desperately searching for middle forwards following Reagan Campbell-Gillard’s long-term groin injury.

If he acquired Ofahengaue’s services this week, the middle forward reportedly would have been rushed into the Eels’ NSW Cup side.

Parramatta also lost Marata Niukore (Warriors), Oregon Kaufusi (Sharks), Isaiah Papali’I (Tigers) and Ray Stone Dolphins) at the end of the 2022 season.

Saturday’s Tigers clash also marks Luke Brooks 200th NRL appearance, becoming just the fifth player to reach the milestone at the club.

Joe Ofahengaue will play one last game for the Tigers. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

The 28-year-old is without a contract for 2024 and reportedly hasn’t begun negotiations for an extension to remain in Leichhardt according to NRL.com.

Brooks has previously been shopped around by Tigers powerbrokers, with a move to the Knights on the cards in the off-season.

But for now, Brooks is happy to be enjoying a return to form.

“It would be nice to finish out my career here but if that doesn’t happen then so be it,” Brooks said.

“A lot of people have opinions on (whether I should’ve moved on last year). I don’t know, I guess I’d find out if I did change but for now I’m just worrying about playing footy for the Tigers and that’s all I can do.

“If I play my best footy then that stuff [future] will look after itself. I haven’t been thinking about it too much. I’ve learned to get used to it.

Originally published as Enforcer’s mid-season Eels switch blocked at last minute in embarrassing Tigers backflip