Wests Tigers rising star Samuela Fainu is off-contract at the end of the 2027 NRL season, meaning he is free to speak with rival clubs from November 1 this year for a 2028 contract, if the joint venture doesn't lock him up first.
It has now been revealed by CODE Sports that Fainu's management is seeking an extension price of upwards of $1.2 million a season to keep him in Tigers colours.
Fainu has shown plenty of promise in the 56 NRL games he has played since his debut, and at only 22 he is expected to continue his development into a premier second rower after the impressive start to his career.
Although the Tigers may need to throw big dollars at him to keep him at the club, with threats of PNG Chiefs and Perth Bears always looming to strike on young and talented players such as himself.
South Sydney's Cameron Murray is on a reported $1.1 million a year, while Penrith's Isaah Yeo is on $850,000 a season, making Fainu's asking price one of the highest in the game if the reports are accurate.
However, with the record-breaking TV rights deal set to kick into gear in 2028, which is expected to inflate the NRL's salary cap, it means the top-line players will be the biggest beneficiaries and can be offered more.
Fainu has damaging footwork and is a nightmare to handle close to the line, while also being easily able to slide between defenders through a hole to secure points.
It is understood the Tigers were willing to have Luai depart the club so they can allocate greater funds to have Fainu extend at Concord.
Fainu made his NRL debut in 2023 with the Manly Sea Eagles, when he and his brothers, Latu and Sione, progressed through the Northern Beaches pathways.
He played fives games in the maroon and white before moving to the Tigers, where he has featured consistently on the left edge.
Since his move, he has played over 50 games for the Tigers over three seasons, scoring 12 tries in 2026 despite missing the middle chunk of the season with injury.
Fainu has been named to start on the left edge for the Tigers when host the St George Illawarra Dragons at CommBank Stadium on Sunday.
