Behind a paywall (Daily Telegraph).
In yet another significant contract development at the Wests Tigers, Jarome Luai is not the only player who can move at the end of 2026 due to an unorthodox contract clause.
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NRL 2025: Wests Tigers fullback Jahream Bula’s odd contract clause that could see him released early
In yet another significant contract development at the Wests Tigers, Jarome Luai is not the only player who can move at the end of 2026 due to an unorthodox contract clause.
Wests Tigers rising star Jahream Bula could get out of his contract 12 months early due to an unorthodox clause that could also work in the club’s favour.
In yet another significant contract development at the Wests Tigers, Bula could be on the move at the end of 2026, despite the club heralding his re-signing through until the end of 2027.
Bula, who has played 39 games at fullback since making his NRL debut and being named the club’s best player in 2023, has a mutual option written into his contract at the Wests Tigers for 2027.
Jahream Bula could leave the club early. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images
The mutual option involves the club being able to re-sign Bula in 2027 for the figure of no less than $900,000.
Under the terms, Bula is unable to reject the offer if the club wishes to keep him at the club for 2027.
The $900,000 offer will remain on the table until mid-May, 2026.
If the Wests Tigers believe Bula isn’t worth $900,000, the club has the power to provide the 22-year-old with the chance to test the open market for 2027.
This is where a rival club could blow the Wests Tigers out of the water.
However, if there is little appetite for Bula on the open market at that time, the option states that he can stay at the Wests Tigers for 2027, however at the reduced rate of around $800,000.
Bula recently married his partner Aaliyah. Picture: Supplied
The Bula deal was orchestrated by both the previous club management of former CEO Justin Pascoe and the strike fullback’s former management team of Ultra Management.
Bula has recently linked with Cove Agency, led by Isaac Moses.
The Bula revelation pours a further spotlight on their entire spine with Lachlan Galvin (off-contract 2026), Api Koroisau (2026), Luai (2029, but with options to get out of 2026) and Bula, all potentially off-contract within the next two seasons.
The Tigers have made no secret of their desire to re-sign Galvin, the outstanding rookie halfback.
In memory of Geoff Chisholm (1965-2022)
Same old Same old.
These media 🤬🤬🤬just can’t let it go …. can they.
Always posting repetitive hysterical bullshit to stir up the water around the WT Club. Just click bait rubbish.
Same old Same old.
These media 🤬🤬🤬just can’t let it go …. can they.
Always posting repetitive hysterical bullshit to stir up the water around the WT Club. Just click bait rubbish.
I actually dont think that that is bad clause for Bula, if he doesnt set the world on fire in next two years its gives us an out or at least a discount on his rate.
The bigger problem IMO is that we have our entire spine coming off contract at the same time. Sets us up for yet another ground up rebuild in 18 months.
Smacks of an inside job of those wanting to still support the old administration and undermine the current. They can go and get nicked.I would take that commentary about Pascoe rejecting it with a pinch of salt, I'm sure he and Lee are not happy with the way Richo is turning the club around.
Smacks of an inside job of those wanting to still support the old administration and undermine the current. They can go and get nicked.I would take that commentary about Pascoe rejecting it with a pinch of salt, I'm sure he and Lee are not happy with the way Richo is turning the club around.
My guess would be someone high up in the old administration
This is Pascoe or Lee. The fact that Pascoe was mentioned in the Luai article as not agree to the player options and this comes out soon after to me suggested a boozy lunch with Lee and Pascoe where they divulged some club contract secrets. Neither of these deals are actually terrible. Win games and this noise goes away
Bateman set to exit WT in coming days.
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Apparently Luai has told Channel 9 he will be a Tiger for the full five year contract.
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers!
Apparently Luai has told Channel 9 he will be a Tiger for the full five year contract.
9News Sydney Season 2024 Friday 6 December, Watch TV Online
35.20
In memory of Geoff Chisholm (1965-2022)
Apparently Luai has told Channel 9 he will be a Tiger for the full five year contract.
9News Sydney Season 2024 Friday 6 December, Watch TV Online
35.20
Yeah he didnt quite say he was there for 5 years but said the right things. Lets just let him play and get on with it.
My guess would be someone high up in the old administration
Mine too. I also think it is probably linked to the Miller case and trying to discredit the current administration to gain leverage.
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers!
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers!
So, do you think all or most clubs have contracted players with similar early-exit options that these articles about Luai and Bula (and Stef we know about) refer to?My guess would be someone high up in the old administration
Mine too. I also think it is probably linked to the Miller case and trying to discredit the current administration to gain leverage.
It certainly gives Richardson strong scope to punt Marshall early in 2025 if things don't start well and rumblings from Luai, Galvin, Bula are reported - or invented and leaked to Chammas and media hacks as a further act of revenge by disgruntled ex-Board types, which seems to be your bigger concern.
