WESTS TIGERS : Free Agency and Roster Decisions Loom for 2024 and 2025
Off-contract 2024: Aidan Sezer (Mutual Option for 2025), Brandon Tumeth (Player Option for 2025), Sione Fainu
Off-contract 2025: Adam Doueihi, Alex Seyfarth, Brent Naden, Charlie Staines, David Klemmer (Mutual Option for 2026), Fonua Pole, Josh Feledy, Justin Matamua
Sione Fainu is the only player from the Tigers off contract at the end of 2024 without a new club or an option to extend his deal. The 23-year-old was part of an exciting group of young players who showed glimpses of brilliance this season, including his brothers Latu and Samuela. Expect Fainu to be offered a new contract as the club looks to build on its promising future.
As for the players entering free agency on November 1, the Tigers face some tough decisions as they navigate their roster rebuild. Adam Doueihi has been hampered by injuries this year but signed a one-year minimum wage deal mid-season to stay at Concord for 2025. If he can stay fit, the Lebanese international could prove crucial to Benji Marshall’s plans or attract attention from rival clubs.
Charlie Staines and Brent Naden both arrived with high expectations, but with the emergence of young outside backs like Luke Laulilii, as well as new signings Sunia Turuva and Jeral Skelton, they could find themselves surplus to requirements moving forward. Meanwhile, local juniors Alex Seyfarth, Justin Matamua, and Fonua Pole are likely to be retained. Pole, in particular, impressed in a starting prop role during the final rounds of 2024, and Matamua, who featured in the NSW Under 19s in 2022, is highly regarded but has yet to secure a regular spot in Marshall’s 17. Given his junior pedigree, the 21-year-old could attract significant interest when free agency opens.
2025 gains: Jarome Luai (Panthers), Sunia Turuva (Panthers), Jeral Skelton (Bulldogs), Royce Hunt (Sharks), Jack Bird (Dragons)
2025 losses: Stefano Utoikamanu (Storm), Isaiah Papali’i (Panthers), Junior Tupou (Dolphins)
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