
Wests Tigers have had a difficult few years in the NRL, as the side continue to drift. They finished bottom of the NRL table in 2023 and are currently in 14th place, with just two wins from their opening 10 games.
The club spent big in the 2023 off-season, recruiting several players in an attempt to turn their fortunes around. They also appointed former New Zealand legend, Benji Marshall, as their head coach, alongside former South Sydney Rabbitohs director, Shane Richardson, as Chief Executive.
However, as results on the pitch have not improved, Richardson is set to swing the axe. According to reports in Australia, Richardson has flown to England in an attempt to broker deals to move out a number of the Tigers’ under-performing players. England International, John Bateman, tops the list, with the Tigers keen to release him from the final two years of his deal.
However, the list includes a number of players who would improve sides in Super League. Richardson’s visit appears set to spark a Super League scramble for the stars.
NRL side looking to offload several key players

Credit: Imago Images
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Bateman is not the only player facing the exit door at Wests. Halfback, Jayden Sullivan, could also be on the verge of a move to Super League. Sullivan currently earns a reported $500,000 a year, which is set to increase to $600,000 a season in the near future.
Sullivan only joined Wests in the off-season, however, faces leaving the club in the wake of Luai’s signature. Sullivan is likely to be in high demand, with several Super League clubs in the market for a high quality half-back.
Versatile back, Brent Naden, is also thought to be available for transfer. Naden, who can play on both with wing and in the centres has also played for the Penrith Panthers and Canterbury Bulldogs.
Former Back Rower of the Year available to Super League clubs

Credit: Imago Images
The Tigers have also offered back-rower Isiah Papali’i permission to speak to other clubs. Papali’i, a previous Dally M back-rower of the year winner, is not thought to be interested in a move to Super League. However, he may soon make the switch to another NRL club, with the Tigers keen to offload his $650,000 a season salary.
Papali’i started his career with the New Zealand Warriors, playing 63 games before joining the Parramatta Eels. Papali’i excelled at the Eels, especially in 2021, when he was recognised by Dally M. He rejected a significant pay rise with Parramatta to join the Tigers in 2023.
However, he was unable to significantly improve their fortunes. Papali’i played 23 games for the Tigers in the 2023 season. however, the Tigers continued to struggle, and they finished bottom of the NRL table, sealing the Wooden Spoon.
