NRL market watch: Wests Tigers star undergoes medical with South Sydney Rabbitohs

Out of favour Wests Tigers playmaker Jayden Sullivan could be on the move before the end of the year, after completing a medical with a rival club. See the latest transfer news.

Jayden Sullivan has undergone a medical assessment at South Sydney with the Tigers half potentially on the move before the end of the year.

It is understood that Sullivan underwent a medical with South Sydney on Friday with the Rabbitohs keen on adding him into their roster from next season.

But on Saturday, Sullivan was back at the Tigers with the 23-year-old joining the rest of the squad for a fitness session at Concord Oval and showed no signs of a player heading for the exit.

The move will now depend on the Tigers and Rabbitohs reaching an agreement surrounding how much the Tigers are willing to chip in for Sullivan to play elsewhere.

Jayden Sullivan could leave the Wests Tigers before the year is done, after completing a medical with the Rabbitohs. Picture: Getty Images

Sullivan is an eye-watering contract worth $700,000 for the next three seasons. That $2.1 million is burning a hole in the Tigers salary cap.

This masthead has reported that the Tigers would be willing to give Sullivan a $900,000 handshake to walk away from the club.

He had been earmarked as a potential starting halfback when he was signed at the Tigers from St George Illawarra for the 2024 season.

Sullivan played just nine games this year and has fallen behind Lachie Galvin, Latu Fainu and new superstar recruit Jarome Luai in competition for the Tigers starting halves spot.

Just one day after the medical, Sullivan was back at Concord for a training session in front of the Wests Tigers members. Picture: Rohan Kelly

The Rabbitohs are willing to take Sullivan on but for a significantly reduced rate. It remains to be seen how much the Tigers are willing to chip in.

He has rejected multiple interest from Super League clubs and by all reports has impressed at Tigers training since returning this year.

South Sydney have been on the lookout to add some depth to their halves after granting Lachie Ilias a release to join St George Illawarra.

Sullivan might not be the only contracted Tiger on the move before the year ends.

John Bateman, who too was close to joining South Sydney, is on the brink of joining the Cowboys after an unhappy season at the Tigers.

THE TIGERS PITCH THAT SECURED TURUVA

—Michael Carayannis

Christmas will be a little easier for cousins Sunia Turuva and Api Koroisau this year.

The pair have joined together at the Tigers after Koroisau had his say in helping fellow Fijian international Turuva make the switch from Penrith.

“He was so influential,” Turuva said of the Tigers skipper. “Once he found out I was in talks we would message every day. That continued even when I signed. He let me know the club is heading in the right direction.

“It is going to be cool (playing alongside him). Our families are so excited. Whenever our families get together they all talk about how keen they are to watch us run around together.”

Sunia Turuva (left) reveals a chat with his cousin, Wests Tigers skipper Api Koroisau, convinced him to leave the Panthers. Picture: NRL Imagery

Koroisau isn’t the only familiar face at the Tigers for Turuva. The Panthers premiership winner returned to training early this week so too did fellow ex-Panther Jarome Luai.

“It has made the transition a bit easier,” Turuva said. “Everyone knew what to expect (regarding) Jarome. He is a competitor and he just wants to win. You could see in the opposed (session at training that) he was ripping into the boys”

A strong crowd was on hand to welcome the likes of Turuva, Luai and fellow new recruits Terrell May, Jack Bird, Royce Hunt and Jeral Skelton at a fan day at Concord Oval on Saturday morning.

The optimism is high among the Tigers faithful after a recent lean trot. Turuva shares that hope.

“I’ve touched on it with Romey (Luai),” Turuva said. “The 2024 season they finished with the spoon but they were in every game. There were no blow-ups. We will add to that and get a couple more wins on the board.

“Whatever happens in their past (is done). We just want to be winners. Everyone should be aiming to win a ring.”

Turuva greeted fans at a Wests Tigers members only training session at the Zurich Centre in Concord. Picture: Rohan Kelly

The 22-year-old won back to back premierships on the wing but could be on the move at the Tigers. He is open to playing either centre or wing.

“I’ve had a few conversations with Benji,” Turuva said. I really don’t mind. Anywhere in the 17 will do. I just want to be playing footy each week.

Meanwhile, the boardroom dramas engulfing the Holman Barnes Group remains ongoing. Thee board members of the majority owners of the Tigers are involved in a spat which has led to them being temporary suspended. Hearings have occurred in recent days with a solution expected in the coming days.

“It is nearing the completion of a process involving a formal investigation by an external third party and disciplinary hearings regarding alleged misconduct of three individuals who held directorships on the board,” a Holman Barnes statement read. “Under the Constitution, the directors involved have an opportunity to respond to the allegations against them before any final decision is made.”

Originally published as NRL market watch: Wests Tigers star undergoes medical with South Sydney Rabbitohs