The Titans reportedly could be facing the prospect of losing skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui after it was revealed the superstar forward has get-out clauses in his multimillion dollar contract.
That is according to Code Sports, who are reporting the 25-year-old has two player options in his favour meaning he is able to explore the open market in 2027 and 2030.
Fa’asuamaleaui signed a $12 million, 10-year contract that expires at the end of the 2033 season, with his first option coming up at the end of 2026.
Therefore, the representative gun could be open to a potential poaching raid from the Perth Bears, who were officially unveiled on Thursday.
The Western Australian franchise will join the NRL in 2027, armed with a huge war chest while Papua New Guinea will also enter the competition a year later in 2028.
With a clean salary cap bill, both franchises could table a mammoth contract to lure the Origin star away from the Titans.
Fa’asuamaleaui plays his 100th Titans game against Newcastle on Friday night, explaining he would not be leaving the Gold Coast anytime soon during a downturn of form.
“I’m doing everything I can to change this club and make it a winning culture and strong club to compete with in the NRL,” he said.
“I’m not backing out of anything. I’m in it for it all, through the hard times and the good times hopefully in the future.
“I’m definitely confident (we can turn it around), that’s why I’ve stayed here for so long. I back the coach and everyone involved in this squad to get us there.”
The Titans have lost their last five games in-a-row under coach Des Hasler, while David Fifita’s future has also come under the microscope in recent weeks.
The $1 million back rower was dropped ahead of his side’s clash with the Bulldogs, before it was revealed Fifita had been shopped to two NRL rivals.
Meanwhile, Fa’asuamaleaui’s agent revealed he would be shocked if his client decided to leave the Titans.
“At this point his sole focus is with the Titans and turning their season around,” he said.
“We will sit down at season’s end to discuss his future. I would be surprised if he decided to leave the Titans even if he considered signing with a new franchise.”
