The Gold Coast Titans are facing a colossal fight to keep long-term captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, with the Melbourne Storm reportedly “desperate” to lure the front rower south again.
Fa’asuamaleaui, 24, is signed through to 2033, but most of that monster contract is actually built on player options that pop up every season.
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Melbourne, who were just told Craig Bellamy will be staying on in 2025, are fully aware of Tino’s contract situation and are currently trying to figure out how they can take advantage of it to bring the 24-year-old back. Fa’asuamaleaui debuted with the Storm in 2019 and won an NRL premiership with the club in 2020.
The reports first came out of SEN Radio, with Matty Johns revealing the play.
“I have no doubt the Storm will make a monumental play for Tino,” Johns said on SEN morning show. “When all this stuff was going on… there was talk around that the Melbourne Storm were circling then. They’re desperate to bring him back.”
The biggest reason for the Storm’s calculated play is its forward pack; Bellamy and Melbourne’s powerbrokers think there needs to be more beef up front if they’re to continue challenging for the title year in, year out. While other options may pop up, Tino has already been circled as the preferred option, especially as an immediate pack leader.
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It’s cruel news for Titans fans, who just this week were told David Fifita would be walking away from his contract early to join the Sydney Roosters from as early as next season.
