Jayden Sullivan to join Rabbitohs as Wests Tigers clean-out continues

The Wests Tigers have sent playmaker Jayden Sullivan, and his $2.1 million contract, to South Sydney, but there is a devil in the detail of the deal which could impact both teams.

Jayden Sullivan will become the second Wests Tigers player in as many days to leave the club with the half to join South Sydney immediately on a one-year deal.

Fresh from forward John Bateman being released from the Tigers to join North Queensland, it is understood that Sullivan has agreed to switch camps despite having three years left on a contract worth $700,000 a season.

Sullivan’s deal is not straightforward given he is owed $2.1 million for the next three seasons.

After crunch talks between the two parties on Thursday the Tigers and South Sydney have agreed to a one-year deal with Sullivan returning to the Tigers in 2026 to see out the final year of his contract.

There had been talk of a two year contract at South Sydney with the prospect of Sullivan getting out after year one but that was unable to be finalised.

Jayden Sullivan of the Wests Tigers.

Sullivan’s move will open up a top 30 spot for Sione Fainu at the Tigers alongside his brother Latu and Sullivan had signed a four year deal to join the Tigers this season from St George Illawarra. He had been earmarked as their long-term halfback but since then the Tigers have signed Jarome Luai while youngsters Lachie Galvin and Latu Fainu have usurped him in the Tigers pecking order.

At South Sydney he will compete with Lewis Dodd for the right to partner Cody Walker in the halves. South Sydney were on the lookout for another half after they released Lachie Ilias to St George Illawarra.

Sullivan underwent a medical at South Sydney last Friday but reported to Tigers training a day later.

It is expected he will link up with South Sydney in the new year when training resumes on January 6.

Sullivan is the third big-name player to be released by the Tigers in recent months with Bateman (Cowboys) and Isaiah Papali’i (Panthers) also being moved on.

The Tigers are also locked in a legal battle with youngster Jordan Miller who was sacked by the club.

Originally published as Jayden Sullivan to join Rabbitohs as Wests Tigers clean-out continues