The Wests Tigers are reportedly facing the dilemma of activating fullback Jahream Bula’s contract extension and paying up to $800,000 or letting him go with claims he could be on the move. Earlier this year, there were reports the Tigers fullback could follow Lachie Galvin and leave the NRL club with the two sharing the same manager.
Bula was quick to express his interest in remaining at the Wests Tigers, despite speculation surrounding his future. Bula is under contract until the end of 2026, and can therefore speak to rival clubs from November 1.
The Wests Tigers are reportedly facing the dilemma of activating fullback Jahream Bula’s (pictured right) contract extension and paying up to $800,000 or letting him go with claims he could be on the move. (Images: Getty Images)
And while Bula expressed a potential desire to remain at the Tigers beyond 2026, NRL reporter Michael Chammas claimed it might be the club who are not interested. Chammas feels the Tigers could be worried about how much they will be paying Bula if his contract is extended, which would be taking a huge chunk out of their salary cap.
“I don’t even think Jarome Luai is the Wests Tigers’ biggest problem. If you are asking me to make a bold prediction for 2026. I think Jahream Bula could depart the club. From my conversations that I’ve had at the moment, I don’t think there is an appetite from the Wests Tigers to activate his contract at $800,000,” Chammas said on the Triple M Rocks Footy podcast.
“Doesn’t mean they don’t want him. I don’t think he is worth $800,000. I am not sure if they have a plan to replace, but they may not have a choice.”
Agent Isaac Moses manages Bula and has seen a number of his players exit the club in recent years. And Chammas feels Bula could be set to find out what he is worth on the open mark come November 1.
“Because I have said before, his agent is seeking expressions of interest from rival clubs. His agent being Isaac Moses, Lachlan Galvin’s agent,” Chammas said. “I am not saying anything is done, or happening right now, but the Tigers are rightfully are baulking at the $800,000 trigger.”
Both parties have the opportunity to trigger the extension clause, which could see Bula earn up to $900,000 in 2027. But Chammas feels there could be a standoff. “If neither party tries to trigger the option, he becomes a free agent. Now, I think that is what will happen. I think he will look around first, before triggering his option, because the Tigers won’t trigger his,” Chammas added.
Jahream Bula’s (pictured right) future at the Wests Tigers remains undecided beyond 2026.
Jarome Luai reassures Wests Tigers over contract
The Wests Tigers are also dealing with captain Jarome Luai’s contract saga. The club’s big-signing has a get-out clause in his contract. This would allow him to talk with rival clubs from November 1.
Although Luai tried to reassure the Tigers they shouldn’t be concerned. “As long as they do right by me and my family, they’ll have nothing to worry about,” Luai told reporters on Monday. Luai has until April 30 to activate the clause, which would see him remain at the Wests Tigers. This would see him on a deal worth an additional $3.5 million.
Jahream Bula addresses Tigers future
Earlier this year, when AAP asked if he saw himself as a Tigers player long-term, Bula said: “Of course, but I don’t really want to get into detail about that stuff. I love what I’m doing here and I’m focused on the week ahead and this season. I’m enjoying it here, we’re changing things around and I can see where this team’s heading.”
Lachlan Galvin (pictured right) and Jahream Bula share the same player agent.