NRL market watch: Bulldogs, Dragons lead chase for Jarome Luai, Addin Fonua-Blake
The Wests Tigers could be blown out of the water for their two prized targets, leaving them at risk of going home empty-handed. The latest on the high-profile recruitment drive inside.
Dean Ritchie
The 50km trip down the M4 could be about to become a whole lot busier.
The intense three-way battle for Penrith and NSW star
Jarome Luai is becoming clearer with Canterbury emerging as favourites to secure the off-contract Panther.
And
well-placed sources have St George Illawarra in front to sign New Zealand Warriors prop Addin Fonua-Blake for the 2025 season.
The Bulldogs dropped out of the race for Fonua-Blake on Tuesday.
However, they remain intent on securing Luai and
appear prepared to meet his wishes for a five-year deal worth more than $5 million.
Wests Tigers remain confident they will land Luai, despite the demise of the club’s board, chairman and CEO this week.
Luai is under contract at Penrith until the end of next season and have an offer on the table for him to remain at the foot of the mountains, although they are unable to match rival bids for their champion five-eighth.
Bulldogs chairman John Khoury wasn’t commenting on Wednesday, however major sponsor Arthur Laundy said: “Jarome would be, like with any club, a terrific acquisition. The guy very obviously has ability. If he is leaning towards us then I’d be thrilled.
“But I’m not aware that is the case at this stage. That’s a ‘Gus’ Gould thing.
“I know there have been discussions. He is a good footballer and I’d love to have him on board.
“He is an exciting player and is 100 per cent heart. He does a wonderful job for Penrith. We’re lucky that we’ve had a couple of the Penrith player come over.”
Departed Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe had been personally involved in the Luai negotiations, with the club’s offer between $1.1m and $1.2m a year.
The Tigers are also in the hunt for Fonua-Blake for 2025 and are also hopeful he will
choose Concord over Wollongong. However, insiders suggest Fonua-Blake is leaning towards Saints.
Dragons management have tabled a rich deal worth $4.5m over four years and are now waiting for the giant prop to make a decision.
Luai would feel comfortable at Belmore alongside former Penrith players Matt Burton, Viliame Kikau, Jaeman Salmon and newcomer Stephen Crichton.
Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo had no doubt Luai could be a dominant seven.
“Jarome can do anything he wants, really,” Ciraldo told the Big Sports Breakfast.
“He is a quality player who loves footy and he loves his teammates.
“That’s the challenge of someone like that if he is looking for that challenge.
“His winning ratio in every grade he has played is unbelievable, so yeah Jarome can do anything he wants if he puts his mind to it.”
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