Star tipped to snub big-money Dragons offer

The Penrith Panthers could be adding to their list of player losses at the end of the season, with the Wests Tigers emerging as front runners to sign star winger Sunia Turuva.

Turuva is reportedly close to making an announcement on his future, with Penrith unable to compete with the offers available for the winger on the market.

Despite the club's salary cap space set to expand with the departures of James Fisher-Harris and Jahrome Luai, the Panthers are unable to increase their tabled offer of $350,000 a year for the Fijian international.

READ MORE: The moment Slater tried to claim Knights rookie

READ MORE: Rival coach backs 'outstanding person' in legal fight

READ MORE: Coach's bizarre claim after injured star fumes

The Sydney Morning Herald reports the 21-year-old has been offered a multi-year deal worth $450,000 a season at the Tigers, which if accepted will see Turuva join the club alongside current teammate Luai next year.

Turuva has strong connections with members of the 2025 Tigers side, with former Panther and current Wests Tigers captain Api Koroisau his first cousin.

The Dragons have expressed interest in Turuva, offering a deal worth between $400,000 and $600,000 a season, with position incentives also built into the contract.

Turuva is set to earn upwards of $600,000 if he signs with the Dragons, if the star agrees to start at fullback for the team.

Watch the 2024 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.

Penrith officials held a meeting last week with Turuva's management to discuss his future at the club, with reports a decision is due in the coming days.

The Panthers remain unwilling to spend more than $350,000 to keep Turuva at the club considering the dense pool of outside backs coming up through Penrith's junior system. 

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply