Wests Tigers back-rower Samuela Fainu is close to signing an extension and will not explore the open market in November.
The Tigers released Luai from his final year with the club, originally set for 2027, and plan to use the money from Luai's contract to extend their back-rower.
Throughout the season, the club feared Fainu could explore the market as back-rowers have seen a significant rise in pay packets.
Fainu was also linked to the PNG Chiefs, who landed Luai after he declined his player options post 2027.
The Daily Telegraph reports that Samuela is expected to sign a two-year deal and stay at the club with his brothers.
Samuela's market value was set to skyrocket, making him a hot commodity on the open market.
Instead, he will sign a contract lining up the same expiration date as his brother, Sione Fainu, who signed a three-year extension in February this year, keeping him at Concord until the end of 2029.
Samuela's extension is 2 years, worth $1.6 million ($800,000 per season), with ratchet clauses to increase his salary to $1 million.
Now, the Tigers will make sure they sign Latu Fainu to an extension, as he is part of Tonga's World Cup side.
The Fainu brothers wanted to play for Fiji in the World Cup; however, they could not meet the criteria with sufficient documentation to make the switch from Tonga.
Samuela scored four tries in 16 games played this season and has played 60 games over the past three seasons.
Despite the drama surrounding Luai's move to the PNG Chiefs, ownership, and Adam Doueihi late in the season, the Tigers have been able to keep a core group of talent, with Jahream Bula, the May brothers, Taylan and Terrell, Heamasi Makasini, Adam Doueihi, and most likely the Fainu brothers for the long term.
