Meninga: Bears won't be the only club chasing Tino

Perth Bears coach Mal Meninga said it would be silly of him not to talk to Tino Fa’asuamaleaui after the Titans captain decided to test the open market.

Fa’asuamaleaui is contracted to a 10-year deal at the Titans but the Queensland representative has a player option in his favour which would allow him to depart at the end of the 2026 season.

The 25-year-old can begin negotiations with rival clubs from the November 1 free agency with the Perth Bears reportedly set to table a five-year offer worth $7.5 million.

"I'd be silly if I didn't go have a conversation with him," Meninga said on SENQ Breakfast.

"I know Tino well, obviously, his preference would be to stay at the Titans, there's no doubt about that, but he’s been pretty open with his commentary is that they've got to prove to him that the Titans have got a future.

"There is no doubt that if he becomes available, I wouldn't be the only person trying to talk to him to be honest with you.

"There'd be 16 other teams trying to he's such a, a talent.

"He's only like 26, a leader already. Front rower, play long minutes, good person, charismatic within the club. It’d be silly for me not to ask him whether he's interested or not."

The loss of Fa’asuamaleaui would be a massive blow for the Gold Coast, who are fighting to avoid the wooden spoon as pressure continues to swirl around coach Des Hasler.

The Maroons' star was initially lured from the Melbourne Storm up to the Titans in 2021 by then General Manager of Football Meninga and recruitment manager Ezra Howe, both of whom are heading up the new Perth Bears franchise.

Wherever he ends up, the optics of a captain wanting out of a contract should be enormously concerning for the club.

“It’s alarm bells for the Gold Coast Titans,” Corey Parker said on SENQ Breakfast.

“He’s the skipper but also, he’s entitled to do whatever he wants because he’s got the clause in his contract and the club ticked it off.

“As of November 1, he can talk to other clubs.

“It’s being suggested that $7.5 million will be the deal from Perth over five years.

“That would make him the highest paid player in NRL history.

“There would be plenty of other clubs that are interested but Perth and Mal Meninga are in the box seat.

“He’s the captain of the club, they look destined to win the wooden spoon and he signed a 10-year deal.

“He’s let them know now that he intends to go to the open market. The Titans aren’t going to up their deal.

“I know Tino and I know him well. He’s a stand-up guy and a wonderful leader but if you’re saying your position is you want to stay but you’re testing yourself on the open market, that’s rubbish.

“It’s clear that his preference isn’t to stay.”