I hope we stand our ground, $450k is in my opinion overs to start with let alone $700k. If Luc was at any of the top 4 clubs he would struggle to get in their 17. Being one of the better players at a bottom team does not automatically mean you get top dollar.
If he sooks and wants to go elsewhere, we have Blore, Garner, Tuilagi, Tuki, Seyfarth and the club should try and get someone like Simms for a couple of years to help bring these younger guys through.
I like Luc but for $700k you would want Angus Crichton or someone of that ilk.
NRL transfer news: Luciano Leilua price tag to hit $3 million as Wests Tigers hesitate on big deal
Wests Tigers forward Luciano Leilua has been waiting 10 weeks for Wests Tigers to nail down a contract upgrade, yet time is almost up on re-signing the big Samoan.
Dean Ritchie
October 20, 2021 - 5:25PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
Wests Tigers forward Luciano Leilua has been waiting 10 weeks for a dithering Wests Tigers to nail down a contract upgrade and extension which could be worth a cool $3 million.
Due to a series of delays,
Wests Tigers now have little more than a week to re-sign Leilua or face having the Samoan Test star throw himself onto the NRL open market.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal Leilua is earning around $450,000 a year — he has one season remaining on his current deal — but has sought a significant pay increase for next season given his form this season.
It is understood Leilua will seek an upgraded deal worth $675,000 to $700,000 for 2022.
Luciano Leilua is believed to be chasing a new four-year deal expected to hit around $3 million.
And should that request be accepted and finalised, Leilua, 25, would then seek a new four-year deal to remain at Concord until the end of 2026. That would take his total upgraded and extended package to around $3 million.
Wests Tigers are aware of Leilua’s contract situation but have been slow to act on his retention.
Drama at the club surrounding coach Michael Maguire’s future, the departure of football general manager Adam Hartigan, the recruitment of head of football Tim Sheens, and the return of former recruitment Warren McDonnell has delayed the Leilua negotiations.
Most clubs were more than aware about difficulties in a securing a response or return call from Hartigan, even internally.
Contract talks between the club and Leilua started in August — and there’s still no resolution.
The key question is whether a deal can be struck before November 1 when Leilua essentially becomes a free agent — and a player expected to attract considerable interest.
Friends claim Leilua isn’t angry at the holdup but is getting restless. Losing Leilua would be a PR disaster for the club and the incoming Sheens.
Wests Tigers have indicated an inclination to retain Leilua but the wait for a contract offer continues.
There is no guarantee the Tigers will agree to Leilua’s financial request and may seek further negotiations with his management. There is no guarantee the Tigers will agree to Leilua’s financial request.
McDonnell is said to be a fan of Leilua and a new deal will likely be finalised, depending on whether both parties can agree on the financial terms.
Two recruitment managers from rival Sydney-based clubs told The Daily Telegraph that Leilua could now demand up to $700,000 a season.
The Tigers placed all contract negotiations on hold while undergoing a season review where Maguire’s job was under threat.
Many rated Leilua and Adam Doueihi as the Tigers’ best players this year.
Leilua’s contract wait can be revealed just a day after his older brother, Joey, left the Wests Tigers in ugly circumstances.
On his way out of Concord, Joey claimed Maguire refused to accept blame for losses this year.
Through Instagram, Leilua posted: “Btw (by the way), I wouldn’t play for someone that blames the team all the time! And not himself! #Madge.”
It is understood Joey’s comments will not impact on Luciano’s desire to remain at Concord.
