Mal Meninga says the Perth Bears would “be silly” if the 18th NRL franchise did not inquire about Tino Fa’asuamaleaui’s services amid claims clauses in his Titans contract could make him available next year.
Fa’asuamaleaui is on a 10-year deal at the Titans but the Queensland representative has a clause in his contract that allows the prop to speak to other clubs from November 1 for the 2027 season.
The 25-year-old’s manager said he wants to stay at the Titans and help take the club to a premiership, but the uncertainty over the team’s direction has led the Maroons prop to possibly look elsewhere.
He can begin negotiations with rival clubs from November 1 under free agency laws.
The Perth Bears, led by inaugural coach Meninga, are reportedly set to table a five-year offer worth $7.5 million.
“I’d be silly if I didn’t go and have a conversation with him” Meninga told SEN.
“He’s a leader already, plays long minutes and is charismatic around the club.
“I know Tino well. His preference would be to stay at the Titans but he’s been pretty open with his commentary. The club has to prove to him the Titans have a future.
“There’s no doubt if he became available, I wouldn’t be the only person trying to talk to him. He’s such a talent and young.”
In addition, former Titans recruitment boss Ezra Howe is now in the same role in Perth and could have a say in luring the prop.
The fact the Bears can blow any other NRL rivals out of the water with their offer, and Meninga’s previous role in recruiting Fa’asuamaleaui to the Gold Coast, makes Perth a real contender to land the star.
“Mal and Ezra are the two that got him there to the Titans,” Fa’asuamaleaui’s manager Simon Mammino told AAP.
“Mal was the Australian coach and has a fair aura about him. He was there to improve the culture at the Titans, and the words Mal had with Tino and his family gave him confidence the club was rebuilding and heading in the right direction.
“Tino was a key figure in that and was confident to go to the Titans with Mal there.”
It’s understood the Dragons and Bulldogs will also make enquiries about the Origin star.
St George Illawarra is preparing the biggest offer for a player in the club’s history according to reports, but the Perth bid will no doubt be difficult to top given the Bears currently have a full salary cap to fill before 2027.
“With Perth it is about being part of a new franchise that has history with the North Sydney Bears, which is attractive to any player,” Mammino said.
“Mal being part of a new franchise is attractive like it was to players going to the Dolphins (under Wayne Bennett).
“It’s not all about money, but at some stage in the off-season we will speak to Perth, who will have a full salary cap to spend.”
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