Pay standoff could send Tiger to rival
THE Wests Tigers could lose winger David Nofoaluma amid reports he will consider shifting to a Sydney rival as he chases a pay rise.
Nofoaluma comes off-contract at the end of next year and would command significant interest on the open market after a strong 2020 season.
The Daily Telegraph reports Parramatta are a likely suitor for the 27-year-old who could command as much as $450,000 a season on the open market.
Nofoaluma has a relationship with Eels coach Brad Arthur and considered joining teammate Mitchell Moses as a replacement for Semi Radradra in 2017.
The Eels have Blake Ferguson coming off contract at the end of 2021
It is understood the Tigers have tabled a three-year offer to Nofoaluma but have yet to secure his signature.
Nofoaluma has been at the Tigers since making his NRL debut in 2013 but admitted to the Daily Telegraph last week that he could leave if it meant capitalising on his last chance at setting himself up for the future.
“I obviously love the Wests Tigers and the fans, you can tell by my passion.” Nofoaluma said.
“But in reality, I am heading into what could potentially be my last contract.
“I am going to explore all my options and weigh up what’s the best decision for myself and more importantly my future.”
Parramatta are also still a chance of taking out the premiership while the Tigers are largely considered to still be a few seasons away from contention.
They have the current longest finals drought in the NRL and with Nofoaluma’s career nearing its end, he may opt to leave for the Eels if it means a better shot at the premiership.
Nofoaluma had 17 tries, 112 tackle busts and averaged 164 running metres from 20 games in a stellar 2020 that saw him in Origin contention.