Tigers rising star Bula ends contract speculation with major call

The Wests Tigers have secured another key piece of their future, with star fullback Jahream Bula agreeing to a new long-term deal after months of negotiations.

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The 24-year-old is set to remain at the club beyond his current contract, with an extension expected to add at least three more years and elevate him into the NRL’s growing group of million-dollar players according to reports at CODE Sports.

While the Tigers are yet to formally announce the deal, an official confirmation is expected in the coming days following the agreement between the club and Bula’s management.

The re-signing comes at a crucial time for the Tigers, who have been forced to respond after captain Jarome Luai confirmed he will depart the club in 2028 to join the Papua New Guinea franchise from 2028.

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Bula’s decision to stay is a significant vote of confidence in the club’s direction, particularly given he had attracted interest from rival NRL sides including the Canterbury Bulldogs and St George Illawarra Dragons during a drawn-out negotiation period.

Talks had at one stage appeared to stall completely, with a deal reportedly close to being finalised before collapsing late, only for discussions to reignite in the wake of Luai’s exit decision.

The new agreement also removes a key contract option deadline that had been set for mid-May, ensuring Bula’s future at the club is locked in well beyond the 2027 season.

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It continues a remarkable retention spree from the Tigers, who have moved quickly to secure their core, having already locked in brothers Terrell May and Taylan May on long-term deals through to 2030.

Bula’s rise has been one of the club’s biggest success stories in recent seasons, emerging as a dynamic attacking fullback capable of breaking games open with his speed, footwork and vision.

With their fullback now secured and key pieces falling into place, the Tigers will turn their attention to further roster decisions, including ongoing discussions with promising forward Samuela Fainu and his brother Latu.

After a turbulent period of uncertainty and three consecutive wooden spoons in recent times, the Tigers’ aggressive retention strategy is beginning to take shape, with the club sitting in the top 4 for much of this year.

Keeping Bula may prove one of the most important moves of all if he continues to develop into the star he appears destined to become.

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