Brian Jack

The Wests Tigers are reportedly poised to lock in a key forward on a monster deal just days after Jarome Luai’s decision to sign with the PNG Chiefs.

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Prop Terrell May is free to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1 at which point he could become a target to join Luai.

In the running for a maiden Blues jersey this year, May has become one of the Tigers’ most important players during their sharp surge up the ladder.

Veteran NRL reporter Brent Read revealed a decision could be made any day.

“I think they are pretty close with a long-term deal for Terrell May,” Read said on Triple M on Thursday.

“I expect it will be a three-year extension. We are talking big money.

“I think they are very close and it wouldn’t surprise me if we get an announcement in the next couple of days.

“I suspect it’s in the seven figure mark.”

This development comes after May admitted that contract talks had stalled following the exit of former CEO Shane Richardson.

“They were the chats we were having with Richo. He even came out publicly and said he wanted me to be a Tiger for life and that’s what we were working towards, but ever since he left it’s gone a bit dull,” May told Code Sports in early March.

In addition to May, his brother Taylan, winger Sunia Turuva and rising star Heamasi Makasini are some other Tigers also free to test the open market from November 1.

Given Luai and his $1.2 million a year salary will be off the books from 2028, the Tigers will receive a huge cash injection to help re-sign May before he hits the free agency deadline.

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CHIEFS EYE OFF EELS FORWARD

Less than a day after confirming star playmaker Jarome Luai as their maiden signing, the PNG Chiefs have now set their sights on landing their first forward.

Currently, without a deal for the 2028 season (when the Chiefs will enter the NRL), multiple sources have told foxsports.com.au that Parramatta Eels forward Jack Williams has found himself on the club’s radar.

Those same sources have confirmed to this publication that the 29-year-old is keen on the move, and it would likely be his final contract, as he will be 31 at the start of 2028.

A member of the Eels’ leadership group, the versatile forward has taken his game to new heights since playing under coach Jason Ryles and was named in the Prime Minister’s XIII side at the end of last year.

He was previously at the Cronulla Sharks, with whom he played 124 matches between 2018 and 2024.

It is understood that Brian To’o, Connor Watson, Gairo Voro, Jesse Ramien, Joseph Manu, Liam Martin, Mitch Kenny and Xavier Coates have also been linked with a potential move to the PNG Chiefs.

Meanwhile, Alex Johnston told teammates on Tuesday that he has decided to join them in 2028 after a standout career with the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the Cardinal and Myrtle.

“Yeah, he told us this morning. Look, you’ve got to be happy for the bloke,” Rabbitohs teammate Sean Keppie said.

“He’s given so much to the game and to see him get that first position over there is pretty cool to see.

”I’m pretty sure they’re going to do some pretty good things over there, so he’ll grab it with both hands and he’s already scored so many tries, hopefully he can score some more, but not against us.“

COWBOYS CIRCLING WARRIORS GUN

The Cowboys are reportedly circling Warriors gun Chanel Harris-Tavita, with the club interested in pairing the talented playmaker with superstar Tom Dearden.

According to Code Sports, Cowboys coach Todd Payten has met with Harris-Tavita in recent weeks, with the 27-year-old without a contract for next season and beyond.

Harris-Tavita has been impressive for the surprise packet Warriors this season but due to the emergence of Tanah Boyd and with Luke Metcalf locked down long-term, there doesn’t appear to be room in the halves for Harris-Tavitia.

The Cowboys have offered current five-eighth Jake Clifford a multi-year deal but the playmaker has baulked on putting pen to paper.

That has led to Cowboys brass searching for other options either in a serious bid to find another playmaker or to put pressure on Clifford signing an extension with North Queensland.

Given Jaxon Purdue is expected to slot into fullback next season to cover the departure of Scott Drinkwater, it’s clear the Cowboys are happy to roll forward with Clifford and Dearden as their halves.

However, Clifford’s reluctance is giving cause for the Cowboys to see what else is out there.

Like Harris-Tavita, Clifford remains off contract beyond the 2026 season.

Payten has a history with Harris-Tavita from the coach’s time at the Warriors in 2019-2020.

PENRITH STARS OPEN UP ON FUTURES

Penrith Panthers stars Brian To’o and Isaah Yeo have opened up on their long-term NRL futures as they prepare to head to the open market on November 1, which will see them able to speak and negotiate with rival teams for the 2028 season.

Neither confirming nor denying that he would be interested in a move to the PNG Chiefs, the winger did not give too much away on his future.

This comes as he has been quietly linked to the expansion side following the signing of close friend and former teammate Jarome Luai.

“I’ll just leave it to my managers. That’s my manager's job to do all that,” To’o said on Wednesday.

“That won’t come until the end of the year. I’ve just got to play consistent footy week in, week out and see what happens.

“All I’m wanting to do every day is just to wake up, come into training with the brothers and put on a good performance for all the fans out there that ware watching us week in, week out.

“That’s probably my main mission and then when that time comes, obviously sit down with my manager and go through that.

“I’m just here for the journey and then just wherever it takes me, I’ll see what happens.”

Meanwhile, teammate and captain Isaah Yeo revealed that he is “open-minded” to heading to the open market, which would allow him to speak and negotiate with rival teams from November 1 for the 2028 season, including the Chiefs.

“I think we probably all will (test the open market). I’m not sure what the club’s doing in that regard but I feel like I’ll certainly be open-minded in that regard,” Yeo said.

“I’ve got a young family. I’ve got three kids and obviously I’d love to stay a one-club player but I understand there’s also a business side to is as well.

“I’m not quite sure. I’ll be open-minded in that regard and make a decision hopefully after that (and) after obviously playing good football. I think that sort of takes care of itself.

“If you’re out there playing good football and performing for your club then things like that take care of themselves but it’s still a long way away.”