Tigers star Jahream Bula could be headed for the exit at the end of next season amid reports the club isn’t keen to activate the fullback’s mutual option for 2027.
The 23-year-old will earn approximately $700,000 in 2026 but if both parties agree to the mutual option for 2027, that figure could go up to as much as $900,000.
However, at this stage, the Tigers may not be willing to trigger the option, according to the SMH’s Michael Chammas.
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“If you asked me to make a bold prediction for 2026, I think Jahream Bula could depart the club,” Chammas said on Triple M podcast The Journos.
“I don’t think there’s an appetite from the Wests Tigers to activate his trigger at $800,000.
“I actually agree, I don’t think he’s worth that.”
Bula is represented by controversial player agent Isaac Moses. It’s well known that Moses’ relationship with the Tigers is shaky at best.
Moses also represents Lachlan Galvin, who forced a mid-season exit from the Tigers this year to join the Bulldogs.
“His agent is seeking expressions from rival clubs, his agent being Isaac Moses,” Chammas continued.
“The way it works is if Jahream wants to stay at the Tigers, it’ll cost them $900,000 but if he’s not doing that well, he’s got a safety net and the Tigers can pick him up at $800,000
“However, if neither party triggers the option, he becomes a free agent. I think that’s what will happen. He will look around first before he triggers his option because the Tigers won’t trigger his.”
Channel Nine lead rugby league reporter Danny Weidler asked if there’s a chance Bula could join the Bulldogs to “play with Lachlan Galvin”.
“Maybe,” Chammas replied.
‘I’m not saying anything is done or happening but the Tigers are rightfully baulking at the $800k trigger.”
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 03: Jahream Bula of the Tigers celebrates after scoring a try during the round nine NRL match between Wests Tigers and St George Illawarra Dragons at Suncorp Stadium, on May 03, 2025, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
EX-STORM BEAST EYES CODE SWITCH
Former Storm star Nelson Asofa-Solomona says a code switch to rugby union is well and truly on the table as he plots out his next career move.
Asofa-Solomona was granted a release from the final two years of his contract with the Storm to “explore new opportunities”.
The 29-year-old, who was earning $850,000 a season, played in 215 games and won two premierships with the Storm, but ill-discipline saw him fall out of favour with Craig Bellamy.
The hulking Kiwi front rower is preparing for this weekend’s Pacific Championships opener with New Zealand hosting Samoa in Auckland on Sunday.
Ahead of that clash, Asofa-Solomona spoke on New Zealand radio to give some insight into what his playing future looks like.
“I’m pretty blessed to have some options … I could not tell you what I’m going to do,” he told radio station Newstalk ZB.
“I need to sit down, write things out, and make a sound decision, but I’m not closing the door on league or rugby.”
Asofa-Solomona admitted that breakway rugby union competition R360 have approached him, but like several other players in a similar boat, he’s “waiting to see how that unfolds”.
“It’s been a long journey with the Storm since 2011. But it’s time for something fresh, the next chapter,” he said.
“I have been approached by R360 and that’s the option I’m blessed with but what everyone is waiting for is to see how it unfolds … It’s more of just a waiting game.
“It [rugby] is an option but then again I love the game of rugby league – it’s so exciting – that’s what I love about the game.”
PANTHER ON THE MOVE
Daine Laurie is reportedly set to sign a multi-year deal to join the Raiders, snubbing an approach from a Sydney rival in the process.
According to Code Sports, the Bulldogs were also interested in Laurie’s services, with a potential reunion with former Penrith assistant Cameron Ciraldo on the cards.
However, Laurie will instead make the move to the nation’s capital, giving Ricky Stuart a versatile option to deputise for Kaeo Weekes at fullback.
The former Panthers and Tigers gun can also play in the halves and the outside backs, having tallied 76 NRL games to date since making his debut in 2020.
Laurie will reportedly join his new teammates next month as he gears up for a tough pre-season under Stuart.
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NRL NAB TWO RISING RUGBY UNION STARS
The Rabbitohs have reportedly launched a rugby raid, signing one of the All Blacks’ top prospects in back rower Saumaki Saumaki.
Saumaki will make the switch to the 13-man code ahead of the 2026 season, having spent this year playing in the Super Rugby under 20s competition for the Crusaders.
South Sydney powerbrokers reportedly received glowing reports from their scouts across the Tasman which prompted them to pounce on the rising star.
“All the mail we got on him was outstanding and we thought he was worth a go,” Souths chief executive Blake Solly said.
“He played for New Zealand Schoolboys in rugby and you have to be pretty good to do that.”
Saumaki was also eligible to play for the New Zealand school boys team once again in 2026 and also graduated from renowned nursery Nelson College.
Meanwhile, the Warriors have also secured the signature of another highly rated Crusaders prospect in Harry Inch.
The 19-year-old flyhalf has been granted a release from the Crusaders’ system to link up with the Warriors.
Like Saumaki, Inch trained with the Crusaders’ top squad this pre-season and represented the under 20s side.
The departure of both players have been confirmed by the Tasman Rugby Union.