NRL Market Watch: Exiled Wests Tigers star David Nofoaluma signs with Super League club Salford Red Devils

Exiled Wests Tigers star David Nofoaluma has signed a one-year deal after his messy Concord exit, while Bradman Best re-signs on a long-term extension with Newcastle.

Exiled Wests Tigers star David Nofoaluma has found a new home for 2024 after splitting with the Concord club last month.

The 30-year old winger has agreed to join English Super League club the Salford Devils on a one-year deal.

“I think for myself it a good move for me to get out Sydney and experience what it’s like over in Europe. I’m excited about it. I got a taste of a new club when I went down to Melbourne, so I know what it’s like to be in a new environment. It’s a fresh start,” Nofoaluma said.

Nofoaluma parted ways with the Tigers in January with two years left on his deal with the club.

The move ended a stand off between the club and Nofoaluma that reached breaking point during the preseason after being told he would not be considered for selection in round one.

David Nofoaluma has found a home in the UK.

KNIGHTS CONFIRM STAR’S $2M EXTENSION

- Pamela Whaley

Bradman Best considered what it would be like to leave Newcastle but ultimately his love of the Knights has kept him at the club for the next four seasons.

On Tuesday the 22-year-old signed a three-year contract extension with the Knights, shunning attention from NRL rivals to stay with his junior club.

The NSW Origin centre will remain at the Knights until the end of 2027 after rising through the club’s ranks from the age of 13 to become one of their biggest stars.

It’s a huge coup for the Knights, who were in a battle to keep him against intense pursuit from rivals including Wests Tigers.

However, a three-year deal worth $2 million has kept him at the Knights where he has played 69 NRL games since his debut as an 18-year-old back in 2019.

Newcastle locks down Bradman Best until the end of 2027. Picture: Grant Trouville/NRL Photos

Speaking on Tuesday, Best said he went to market to see what he was worth after the best season of his career before ultimately opting to stick around to help the Knights win a premiership.

“What we did last year was pretty special and I didn’t want to leave when I can feel something is brewing here. All the boys are training hard. Last year was definitely special and I can’t wait to build on that,” he said.

“For me, you want to know what you’re worth. My manager went out there and did his job and I guess it’s part of it, you go out there and speak to clubs but deep down this club means a lot to me and it was my preference to stay here and I’m glad we got that done.”

“It was a long process and I did think about the pros and cons (of leaving) but at the end of the day you’re not going to change what’s broken, and I said it before, I love this club, love the boys here and I want to be a big part of the club’s success in the coming years.

“I wanted to do (get the contract signed) before the season started, put pen to pater before the season started so there’s a bit of relief now that it’s done.”

His extension caps off a stunning 2023 season for the star centre, after a surprise call up for NSW to make his Origin debut. Picture: AAP

His extension caps off a stunning rise for the talented young centre, who became one of the surprise packets of the season in 2023 with 13 tries in 25 games for the club.

He was a shock selection to make his debut for NSW in game three of last year’s series, where he scored two tries in a 24-10 victory in Sydney.

Bests’s commitment to the Knights comes as the club looks to finalise a contract extension for coach Adam O’Brien after the Knights’ most successful season in a decade to reach the semi-finals last year.

“We are delighted Bradman has recommitted to the Knights,” said Peter Parr, Knights director of football.

“Bradman had a wonderful season in 2023 and at his age there is no doubt he will continue to grow and improve.

“We look forward to Bradman playing a significant role for the club in the coming years.”

EX-ORIGIN FORWARD LANDS NRL LIFELINE

Former NSW Origin forward Nathan Brown will be available to play round 1 for Manly after being upgraded to the club’s top-30 list.

The 30-year-old has impressed over the pre-season with his determination to save his NRL career and has been rewarded by coach Anthony Seibold.

The paperwork was finalised on Monday, just a day after he played the club’s first trial against South Sydney in Gosford.

The release of winger Christian Tuipulotu to St George Illawarra last week has freed up space in the first grade roster to allow the move, which puts Brown in the frame to make the round 1 side to play the Rabbitohs in the historic season opener in Las Vegas.

“(Brown) and his agent have agreed to come into the top-30, so we’ll get the paperwork done on Monday and then he can be available for selection which is a real positive for us,” Seibold said after Sunday’s 68-6 trial win.

“He deserves it too, he’s had a good pre-season and he looks great.”

Brown has bounced around several NRL clubs over the past few years including Wests Tigers, Parramatta, Souths and the Roosters, but was without a contract at the end of 2023.

The one-time Origin forward was picked up by the Sea Eagles on a train and trial deal in the pre-season in a final effort to save his career.

Seibold has watched him thrive under that pressure.

Nathan Brown’s attitude has impressed coach Anthony Seibold. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

“I’ve loved his attitude, he’s got a bit of a point to prove so there’s been an intensity about the way he’s gone after it,” he said.

“His own words, not mine, he’s had two disappointing seasons and he wants to prove a couple of points that he still belongs at this level.

“When you’ve got a player who still has that ambition and that fire in the belly, they can be really powerful for you.

“I can only go on what I’ve seen over the last 12 weeks and he’s taken this opportunity, we wanted to reward him and upgrade him to our top 30 which we’ve done.”

Meanwhile, Sunday’s trial helped push Raymond Tuaimalo-Vaega’s case to claim a vacant left wing position over Jaxson Paulo and Tommy Talau.

“It’s one spot that there’s a real competition for spots, Jaxson and Ray, and also Tommy Talau, those three guys are all pushing for that spot,” Seibold said.

“Saab has the right wing position nailed and Tolutau (Koula) and Reuben (Garrick) in the centres, and Tommy Trbojevic at fullback so there’s one position there where want genuine competition for spots and that jersey is up for grabs, along with that left edge back row.

“There were good signs.”