It's done: Tigers release Aloiai for fee after Ofahengaue signing

The Wests Tigers have agreed to a compensation fee with Manly for disgruntled prop Josh Aloiai's immediate release after the joint venture signed Brisbane's Joe Ofahengaue on a three-year deal.

Having been told he could expect to "mow the lawns at Leichhardt and Campbelltown and paint the sheds at Concord" to fulfil his contract after agitating for an early release to the Sea Eagles, Aloiai will replace Addin Fonua-Blake in Des Hasler's pack.

The Tigers announced they had struck "an undisclosed commercial settlement" with Manly for Aloiai, who will take up a three-year deal on the northern beaches.

It avoided a potentially sticky situation after the club told Aloiai to report for pre-season training on Monday or be in breach of his Tigers contract.

He will now be headed for Manly, a club which is still trying to come to terms with the sudden death of promising forward Keith Titmuss after a conditioning session last week.

The Tigers could feature a new-look front row in 2021 with former Penrith captain James Tamou to join highly-rated Parramatta recruit Stefano Utoikamanu and Ofahengaue at Concord.

Rep forward Joe Ofahengaue has agreed a deal with the Tigers.Credit: Getty

Former State of Origin forward Ofahengaue changed his Instagram profile in recent days to claim he was an ex-Broncos player, the Tigers making it official on Sunday.

"Joe has a tremendous hunger and determination to produce his best football with Wests Tigers and we're excited to see him on the field with us in 2021," Tigers coach Michael Maguire said.

"At 25, Joe is already an experienced forward in the NRL who has played at an extremely high level in his career and I know he will add a lot to our team in the years to come."

Maguire has also signed former NSW centre James Roberts on a cut price deal to add speed to the Tigers' backline.