Wests Tigers star Justin Olam weighing up NRL retirement call
An NRL premiership winner and current Wests Tigers cult figure’s rugby league career could be over after a torrid run of injuries was compounded by a pre-season setback.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Wests Tigers centre Justin Olam is weighing up his future in rugby league as he struggles to overcome another knee injury.
The Papua New Guinea international hasn’t played in the pre-season and it is understood the club is aware that he is wrestling with his future in rugby league.
Olam struggled with injuries at times last season and only managed to play 13 games after his big money move from the Melbourne Storm.
This masthead reported last week that Olam had been omitted from the pre-season because he was struggling with injury - he has been considering his future for several weeks.
The Tigers have given him the time and space to make a significant call that could have ramifications for their salary cap.
Olam is on around $600,000 and has this year and next on his contract. The Tigers can apply to have that money moved off their salary cap if they can prove that Olam has retired on medical grounds.
The club is also waiting to hear whether prop David Klemmer will make a move to St George Illawarra. If neither player is at the club this season, the Tigers could have up to $1 million of space in their salary cap.
It would leave them in prime position to swoop if any players become available over the course of the year.
More Coverage
Originally published as Wests Tigers star Justin Olam weighing up NRL retirement call
NRL stars involved in punch up, evicted from Las Vegas hotel
Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart confirmed two of his players were involved in a bizarre altercation involving inflatable baseball bats at their hotel room in Las Vegas.
Madge’s ‘military ways’ win the battle, bunker’s head knock howler
Some Broncos players may not be loving life under Michael Maguire but their fans are liking the results, while the NRL’s new foul play sin bin is working - sort of. FATIMA KDOUH’s likes and dislikes from the pre-Season challenge.
Early Mail: Talagi overlooked, Raiders rookie firms
There’s huge team movement at the Panthers in Las Vegas with Liam Henry likely out, Brian To’o hopeful and an unexpected halves pairing.
Vegas Confidential: NRL sweats on Trump RSVP, strikes deal with WWE
The NRL head office is pulling out all stops to lure Donald Trump to the quadruple-header on Sunday, while also striking a deal to promote WrestleMania at the ground. WATCH THE LATEST FROM VEGAS
Roosters star in bombshell NRL rumour
Rumblings have emerged a Roosters enforcer is unhappy at the glamour club, with the Origin player eyeing an early exit from his contract.
Market Watch: Cult hero Shark gives big hint on future
Off-contract Cronulla prop Tom Hazelton has given the biggest indication yet on where he will land for next year and beyond following interest from the Dragons, Dolphins, Knights and Warriors.