NRL club set to offload players including superstar winger; Half-back again linked with Super League for 2024

Wests Tigers are believed to be ready to revamp their squad in the hopes of tidying up their salary cap, according to reports in Australia.

Tim Sheens’ side sit second from bottom of the NRL ladder, having picked up just three wins from 12 so far in the current campaign. 

Superstar winger David Nofoaluma is reportedly set for an exit from the club, despite having two years left on his contract estimated to be worth more than $500,000 a season. 

The New South Wales-born winger has made 189 appearances for the club since his debut in 2013, and underwent a mid-season loan spell with Melbourne Storm in 2022 in their pursuit of the NRL finals. 

He has scored 103 tries for the Tigers across his career, but looks set for an early exit with clubs circling the 29-year-old.

Nofoaluma is one of four high-profile names that have been linked with exits.

“There’s some talk I’m hearing from a couple of rival clubs that there’s going to be a few players shopped around,” Danny Weidler reported on World Wide of Sports on Wests Tigers.

“David Nofoaluma, who is a favourite at the Tigers, clubs are saying he could be offered to them, which is interesting. 

“I think he’s got a bit of time left on his contract and I’m not sure Tigers fans will be happy with that.

“But he’s a name I’m definitely hearing as is Jake Simpkin and Shawn Blore.

“There’s a few Tigers that they’re looking at, just to tidy up their salary cap and I’m sure clubs will have a crack at all those blokes.”

Luke Brooks linked with Leeds

One player who has been linked with Super League previously is Wests Tigers half-back Luke Brooks, who remains off contract for the 2024 NRL campaign.

Brooks, 28, has once again been linked with a move to Leeds for next season under Rohan Smith at Headingley Stadium. 

His current contract would be way beyond what any Super League club could offer at $1 million plus (£500,000), and Wests Tigers head coach Sheens has previously stated his intentions of re-signing the playmaker.

Brooks has played more than 200 career games with Wests Tigers, remaining a one-club man as he picked up the Daly M half-back of the year award in 2018.

“I’ve spoken to his agent and the club has spoken to his agent. We will be making him an offer and I hope it’s going to be enough,” Sheens recently told media in Australia.

“Not only the offer, but also Brooksy’s attitude of playing here, that’s important as well. And it wouldn’t be for just a year.

“I’ve always had my eye on keeping Brooksy. I don’t care what external people have said. I’m keen to keep him happy and keep him here.”

But according to The Daily Telegraph, the Rhinos are plotting a move for 2024, with current halves Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer out of contract at the end of the current Super League season.

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