Alex Twal looks set to finish his NRL career at Wests Tigers after the club agreed a new deal with the prop weeks after telling him he was free to leave.
In September, the Lebanon international was told he was free to hunt for a new club for 2024, with Canterbury and Manly both linked with the hard-working forward.
But the Tigers have now made a 180-degree turn, re-signing the 27-year-old until the end of 2027.
Twal broke the longest try-scoring drought in NRL history earlier this season when, in his 115th game, he crossed against Melbourne.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
“We’re delighted to lock in a new long-term deal with Alex and his family,” Tigers chief executive Justin Pascoe said.
“This new contract will see Alex join a select group of players to play for a decade or more at Wests Tigers. That speaks volumes.”
Twal has played in 124 games for the Tigers and won four caps for Lebanon.
Meanwhile, State of Origin second-rower Keaon Koloamatangi has committed to the Rabbitohs through 2026.
A local junior, Koloamatangi made his NRL debut with Souths in 2020 and has since played 82 NRL games, including the 2021 grand final loss.
He has been a regular starter since 2021 and forged a fruitful combination with young halfback Lachlan Ilias on the right edge following the departure of Adam Reynolds.
His strong form to start 2023 was rewarded with a maiden NSW appearance in the third game of the most recent Origin series.
But he dipped thereafter in line with the Rabbitohs’, the early competition leaders plunging down the ladder and missing finals for the first time since 2017.
(Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Koloamatangi is looking forward to a fresh start in 2024.
“There’s massive belief here that we can win comps,” he said.
“We’ve been very close in recent years so I didn’t want to leave and throw away all of the hard work we’ve done, as well as the hard work we have in front of us. That’s not in my DNA.”
Gold Coast have extended the contract of PNG international Jacob Alick for a further season.
Gold Coast have extended the contract of PNG international Jacob Alick for a further season.
Tigger
Roar Rookie
Pretty sure they said he could test the market, he is apparently on $525k per year, I believe no one wanted him at that price, so he stayed. I doubt he will get that much next contract, but I have no problem with him staying.
BigGordon
Roar Rookie
If you add that amount to what ever they have left in their salary cap, you could probably buy a fairly useful player, assuming they want to come to the Tigers
Maxtruck
Roar Rookie
Who are they buying for $300K
souvalis
Roar Rookie
The Twal reality is a light year away from ' typical Tigers backflip' “He’s on big money, around half a million dollars. “They essentially told him when his current deal expires at the end of next year, he won’t be on anywhere near that amount of money. “They’ve given him an opportunity to explore his options to see if he can get a long-term deal (elsewhere). “If he can’t, he’ll link back with the Tigers to start the pre-season. “They aren't pushing him out the door but they have indicated that when his deal expires, his contract will drop significantly.” And it did.
Tony
Roar Guru
Plus a bonus for every try he scores
BigGordon
Roar Rookie
If that's the case, thats about 300k the Tigers won't have in the war chest to buy some serious talent
BigGordon
Roar Rookie
Or maybe $52.50 match payments - but only if they win!
Tony
Roar Guru
Surely it's $52,500?
blacktown leagues
Roar Rookie
I see a report Twal on $525k .Who signed off on that
William W
Roar Rookie
Keaon Koloamatangi should be top billing on this post... NOT that loser Alex Twal whom the Tigers told to find another club.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
I’m hoping Brookes doesn’t have the same issue
BigGordon
Roar Rookie
It depends on what the Tigers offered him, doesn't it? You're right, he's a solid depth player, but what are they worth? 250k? Anything more than that would be overs IMO. PS I don't think Pascoe's alone in the short deck area at the Tigers.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
More like a hip drop cuddle from Shaz
Tony
Roar Guru
As if they would. He's a depth player at best
Tony
Roar Guru
:laughing:
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Story I read was both interested clubs wanted the Tigers to chip in for his ‘24 contracted money and walked when they wouldn’t.
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
You’re still wondering ?
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Twal wouldn't know what hit him if he left and had to play footy in September.
Tony
Roar Guru
You have to wonder whether Pascoe is playing with a full deck
Tom G
Roar Rookie
Manly were interested in Twal??? With the greatest of respect to him, he’s a very good but not great player. We’ve just released Keppie to Souths who arguably offers more and we still have Sharon to carry. Not to mention the perpetually missing Aloai and Matt Lodge we won’t see for the first half of 2024. The three young forwards released to the Dragons for Sharon combined with Fainu look like poor business now