David Nofoaluma could follow Mitchell Moses to Parramatta after revealing he has spoken to Brad Arthur about the prospect of also shifting across to the blue and golds.
Nofoaluma has set himself the lofty goal of becoming the "best winger in the game" and is seeking a three-year deal at a club that can help him achieve it. While much of the focus has been on Wests Tigers' attempts to re-sign the 'big four', Nofoaluma is also off contract and considering approaches from rival clubs. One of them is the Eels, who are seeking a replacement for rugby-bound winger Semi Radradra.
"Yeah, I've spoken with him, we've had talks," Nofoaluma said."There are a lot of positive things that you hear from him and Mitch has told me the same thing.
"He's really keen on building something at Parramatta and I've taken on the things he's discussed with me. At the end of the day you've got to weigh up your options and make a decision when the time comes."
The fact that good friend Moses is also shifting to the Eels won't hurt that club's chances of snaring Nofoaluma.
"It's interesting because me and Mitch are on the same side of the field," he said. "I don't see any harm if that was to happen, me and him would still have a good combination. "It all comes down to the best offer and making the best decisions. Obviously Mitch has made a decision and there are reasons behind that that I don't know. My goal is to perform the same and I'll focus on playing, whatever happens happens."
There is no shortage of quality flankers in the NRL with Semi Radradra, Jordan Rapana, Corey Oates, Suliasi Vunivalu and Josh Mansour among the best in the business. When asked the secret behind his good form, Nofoaluma said he was driven to be part of the conversation.
"It's purely based on wanting to becomes the best winger in the game," he said.
"I want to be up there and noticed as one of the good players. I'm doing everything I can, whether it be at training or in the game, to do that. Obviously coming off contract, you want to be playing to what you're valued and get the best coin you can these days. While speculation over the 'big four' had been a distraction from the players and the club, Nofoaluma said he was unfazed by uncertainty over his own future.
"I finished the year last year and had a bit of confidence from the club, a lot of people saying that I finished the year with my best footy," he said.
"A lot of people saying if I was to bring that into this year it would be a great start to the season. I had that mentality all the way through pre-season training.
"I knew from the get-go I wanted to be one of the top wingers, if not top three wingers in the comp. I came with that mentality at the start of the season and what I expected, it's happening.
"I couldn't really be prouder of myself."
