A Wests Tigers forward, who has been identified as the future of the club, is reportedly asking for a contract that would make him the richest backrower in the NRL.
Cameron Murray is currently the best-paid backrower in the competition, on about $1.1 million a season.
Kangaroos lock and captain Isaah Yeo is currently earning about $850,000 a season.
Fainu’s demands sound stunning when compared to what the best, most proven backrowers are on.
But with the salary cap possibly going up to $20 million under the new broadcast deal, Fainu’s asking price might not be as surprising as it sounds.
A player on $1.2 million would only be taking up six per cent of a $20 million salary cap which isn’t a huge chunk.
Tom Dearden, for example, has a clause in his contract which says he must be paid 11 per cent of the Cowboys salary cap.
If the salary cap goes up to $20 million, elite playmakers will earn at least $2 million a season.
The Tigers may need to throw the chequebook at Fainu to keep him because he’s been identified by the PNG Chiefs as a player they’d like on their roster in 2028.
The Chiefs have signed a bunch of backs but haven’t been busy when it comes to luring forwards.
They will be able to approach Fainu from November 1 if he hasn’t extended his deal with the Tigers by then.
While the Tigers want Fainu on their books for many seasons to come, they might not get their wish.
With tax-free contracts on offer, the Tigers likely won’t be able to compete with a possible Chiefs bid.
“I hope the Tigers don’t get held to ransom,” Read said.
Penrith lost superstar winger Brian To’o to the Chiefs for 2028 and coach Ivan Cleary claimed the club couldn’t compete with the advantage the Chiefs have been given.
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