Seumanufagai undecided on Sharks future

Cronullla's Ava Seumanufagai may be forced out of Cronulla, as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald.

The Sharks must be salary cap compliant before the season starts and the 27-year old might be the player who has to make way.

It is understood that Seumanufagai has drawn interest from the Super League's Leeds and will make a call on his future soon.

When asked about his future, the prop said the hardest part of his decision was the prospect of leaving a potential premiership contender.

“It’s probably just the playing squad,” Seumanufagai told the Herald.

“It’s a tough squad this year, really experienced. Just the move over there, I’ve got a daughter who is one-and-a-half.

“I’m not too sure what’s going on. I’ve been reading that Leeds has been interested, but in terms of my decision, I haven’t made a formal decision yet.”

Cronulla reportedly need to offload $353,000 of salary, which is in line with the money Seumanufagai is on, while it is understood that Leeds are prepared to offer Seumanufagai a three-year contract.

The front-rower added that he was not being pushed out of Cronulla.

“No, everyone has been fine,” he said.

“No one has spoken to me about that, no one has spoken to me about cap pressures either.

“As far as I’m concerned, I’m coming to training and doing my job, nothing has changed.

“I’m not too sure what’s going on. I can’t put any [timeframe] on it, I’m not sure myself.

“It’s all up in the air, I’m sorry I can’t give you a scoop.”

Outgoing Sharks CEO Barry Russel lamented the idea that a player had to make way to meet their salary cap.

“[Seumanufagai] has obviously been in the press and that’s one scenario that I think is looking positive and will be a good outcome for Ava and for the club,” Russell said.

“That’s one scenario. We’re in discussions with the salary-cap auditors on a whole range of options, whether we prepay some money, whether we can call some of that back. They are all the levers we’re looking at but ultimately we’re looking for what least affects the playing squad and is most beneficial to the player who goes.

“I’m mindful of the players because we have such a tight group. It’s delicate, that’s why I can’t come out and say ‘he’s going to go, it’s going to be him.’

“They have families and lives and kids and we’ve got less than [a week until round one]. That’s why we are taking our time. We meet every day, we’re providing updates on situations and are talking to managers and clubs.

“We’ll get the desired outcomes and I’ve got no dramas we will be compliant.”