GOLD Coast Titans captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui could potentially become the highest-paid player in the NRL, according to Michael Carayannis.<\/p>\n
Fa’asuamaleaui’s contract situation has been one of constant speculation, with the Titans currently sitting at the bottom of the ladder.<\/p>\n
Despite having signed a 10-year deal back in 2023, he does have the option to leave after the 2026 season, which means he would be available to speak with rival clubs from November 1.<\/p>\n
One of the clubs that could be in contention for his signature is the Melbourne Storm, who Fa’asuamaleaui played for during the 2019 and 2020 seasons.<\/p>\n
Storm coach Craig Bellamy was asked whether or not they would fit the Queensland and Australian representative into the Storm’s salary cap, with the 65-year-old noting it would be unlikely.<\/p>\n
“I can honestly say that’s the first time I heard that this morning,” he said.<\/p>\n
“So, I guess the recruitment guys are keeping it from me or who knows \u2026 we’d certainly like to have him back, but I’m not quite sure he’d fit back into our cap at the moment.”<\/p>\n
Considering that they have just re-signed current Dally M Medallist Jahrome Hughes to a four-year extension, there is not a lot of cash spare for the Storm currently.<\/p>\n
But Carayannis thinks if Melbourne were to move on some of their current stars, then they may be able to come up with an attractive offer.<\/p>\n
“Right at the moment, they couldn’t afford him,” Carayannis told SEN 1170’s Breakfast.<\/p>\n
“But in 2027, they could with potentially Ryan Papenhuyzen gone. Nelson (Asofa-Solomona) gone.<\/p>\n
“They went desperately close; they thought they were going to secure Tino last time he was off contract.<\/p>\n
“So yeah, the Storm are in there.”<\/p>\n
Carayannis also believes that the Dragons and Perth Bears will be in the hunt to secure the 25-year-old lock, noting that the competition for his signature may create a bidding war.<\/p>\n
“The Dragons will go in with a huge offer,” he added.<\/p>\n
“We’re talking $1.3-1.4 (million per year). The Bears will go $1.4-$1.5 (million per year) for Tino.<\/p>\n
“Tino could walk away as the highest-paid player in the competition if he really wanted to be.”<\/p>\n