Jahream Bula signs multimillion-dollar extension with Wests Tigers, ending months of speculation

Key facts

• Jahream Bula has agreed to a multimillion-dollar 'mega deal' to remain with the Wests Tigers long term.
• The 24-year-old fullback is under contract until the end of the season with a player option in his favour.
• The deal is expected to keep Bula at the club for several more years, with an announcement this week.
• The contract extension follows co-captain Jarome Luai's decision to join the PNG Chiefs from 2028.
• Bula's agent Isaac Moses negotiated the deal despite a perceived strained relationship with coach Benji Marshall.
• Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould had publicly praised Bula, sparking speculation but no formal offer.
• The Tigers also secured extensions for Terrell and Taylan May, after losing Luai.

Tigers secure rising star amid Luai departure

The Wests Tigers have ended months of uncertainty over the future of their star fullback Jahream Bula, with the 24-year-old agreeing to a multimillion-dollar contract extension that will keep him at the club for several more years. The deal, described by club insiders as a 'mega deal', is expected to be announced in the coming days. Bula, one of the NRL's rising superstars, had been the subject of intense speculation about his next move, particularly after co-captain Jarome Luai's decision last week to join the expansion PNG Chiefs from 2028. The Tigers, often criticised as dysfunctional, have pulled off a significant coup by convincing their most exciting young player to commit long-term. The development comes as a major boost for coach Benji Marshall, who faced the prospect of losing two of his biggest stars in quick succession. The money freed up by Luai's departure has been helpful in retaining Bula, according to club sources.

The deal: terms and timeline

Bula is currently under contract until the end of the season, with a player option in his favour worth approximately $900,000 for next year. The new extension supersedes that option, locking him down for multiple years. insiders have described the contract as a 'mega deal', though specific financial terms have not been disclosed. Contract talks had previously stalled, with Code Sports' Brent Read revealing on NRL 360 that negotiations had not progressed ahead of a two-week deadline. 'I don't think a decision is fast approaching. They've been locked in talks over an extension and it hasn't happened and that suggests to me it probably won't happen before the deadline,' Read said. 'Then the ball is in the Tigers court. They can take up that option for $900,000 for next year.' The Tigers have now moved decisively to secure Bula, with an announcement imminent.

Agent and club dynamics

Bula is managed by Isaac Moses, whose relationship with Tigers coach Benji Marshall had been perceived as strained. This led to fears that Moses would not sign his client with the club. However, Moses has shown maturity and professionalism, putting his client first.ted a deal for Adam Doueihi at the Tigers. The club has also been keen to lock down Bula in light of what it described as 'misplaced hysteria' around Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould's interest. Gould, a commentator for Nine, had publicly praised Bula, calling him 'creamy', which sparked speculation that the Bulldogs were wooing him. However, the Tigers maintain that Gould's comments were simply those of a brilliant TV commentator, and the Bulldogs have made no attempt to sign Bula.

Luai's departure casts shadow

The Tigers were reeling last week from the news that co-captain Jarome Luai would join the PNG Chiefs from 2028. Luai has a contract clause allowing him until April 30 to inform the Tigers if he plans to stay for 2027; otherwise, he is free to explore his options. He toured facilities in Papua New Guinea on Sunday, accompanied by Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson and head of football Michael Chammas. Brisbane Broncos legend Corey Parker labelled Luai's trip a dangerous precedent, warning that it could expose the Tigers to losing two of their biggest stars. 'If Jarome makes this decision to potentially go to the PNG Chiefs, does this have a big impact on what Bula does?' Parker asked on Channel 7's Agenda Setters: Rugby League panel. Former Tigers star Aaron Woods also expressed fears about losing both players, saying, 'Boys, I hope they don't lose both of them. The club is moving in an upwards and onwards trajectory.'

Club management's comeback

The Tigers have shown resilience in retaining key talent despite losing their spiritual leader. In addition to Bula's extension, the club has convinced Terrell and Taylan May to re-sign. Terrell May signed a three-year extension on Friday, further stabilising the roster. The retention of Bula is seen as a great comeback by club management, who have often been criticised as dysfunctional. The money freed up by Luai's departure has been instrumental in these deals, allowing the Tigers to invest in their young core. The club is now moving in an 'upwards and onwards trajectory', as Woods noted, with a fan base that remains 'unbelievable'.

What comes next

With Bula's future secured, attention now turns to Luai's decision. The Tigers must wait until April 30 to learn whether he will exercise his option to stay for 2027 or commit fully to the PNG Chiefs. If Luai chooses to leave, the Tigers will have at least retained their star fullback and prop, softening the blow. The Bula deal also sends a message to the rest of the squad and the league: the Tigers are serious about building a competitive team. The club's ability to lock down its most exciting young player amid external interest demonstrates a new level of stability. For Bula, the extension provides certainty and a platform to continue his rapid rise in the NRL.

The bottom line

• Jahream Bula has signed a multimillion-dollar extension with the Wests Tigers, ending months of speculation about his future.
• The deal is a major win for coach Benji Marshall and club management, who have been criticised as dysfunctional.
• Bula's agent Isaac Moses negotiated the contract despite a perceived strained relationship with the club.
• The extension follows co-captain Jarome Luai's decision to join the PNG Chiefs from 2028, freeing up salary cap space.
• Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould's public praise for Bula did not result in a formal offer.
• The Tigers also secured extensions for Terrell and Taylan May, strengthening their roster.