The manager of Latu and Samuela Fainu has been reassured there are plans to bolster the Wests Tigers coaching staff if the in-demand siblings sign with the embattled club.
Several influential player agents are prepared to back the Tigers by encouraging their clients to sign or re-sign with the joint-venture outfit, but only if there is significant investment in the coaching set-up.
The Tigers have already been linked to Justin Holbrook and are expected to pursue the sacked Titans coach. Another potential target is John Morris, the former Sharks head coach currently assisting Jason Demetriou at South Sydney.
Such a move would be made to support, rather than to undermine, Benji Marshall, who is scheduled to take over from Tim Sheens in 2024. Marshall is already taking an increasingly hands-on role as an assistant, but there is a push for the addition of another experienced mentor to the brains trust to help him complete his apprenticeship.
The Tigers have offered the Fainus a four-year deal, comparable to the one tabled by Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins. Latu, a five-eighth, and Samuela, a forward, performed strongly in NSW’s under-19s State of Origin victory last week.
Latu made history when he signed a Manly deal in late 2021 that made him the highest-paid player yet to make his NRL debut. The Sea Eagles want to retain him and Samuela, but have given them permission to explore the market after embarking on a recent signing spree that has put pressure on their salary cap.
Samuela Fainu in action for Manly against the Tigers this season.
The Tigers haven’t got a fit half on their books for 2024 - Adam Doueihi is contracted but is still recovering from knee surgery - prompting a search for playmakers. Aidan Sezer and Brodie Croft, currently playing in the Super League, are two options the club is considering.
There has been a well-publicised difference of opinion between Marshall and new Tigers recruiter Scott Fulton on a raft of recruitment targets. Regardless, several current and prospective players want to see further investment in the Tigers coaching department before making a call on their futures.
Holbrook has already had a meeting with Canterbury supremo Phil Gould and been sounded out by several other clubs as well. The Tigers are expected to make decisions around any additional support staff in coming days, with the Fainus likely to make a call on their future by the end of the week.
Several Tigers players are already heading for the exits, with off-contract utility Daine Laurie linked to a return to Penrith.
Latu Fainu could be heading to Wests Tigers, but there’s a catch.Credit: Renee Nowytarger
In other signing news, teenaged Parramatta playmaker Ethan Sanders has signed a two-year deal with Canberra from 2025.
The Eels were among half a dozen clubs keen to secure Sanders, who was the player of the match in the club’s SG Ball grand final and also starred in the Blues’ under-19s win. However, Sanders is currently stuck behind Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown, who have made long-term commitments to the blue and golds.
While Sanders is contracted to the Eels for 2024, they may opt to release him rather than develop him for a rival. The Raiders would have the salary cap space to take him next year should that be the case.
Canberra have also re-signed Danny Levi. The hooker suffered a fractured jaw in the NSW Cup that will likely rule him out for the season, but will remain in the nation’s capital long term.
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