Wests Tigers chief executive Shane Richardson has traveled to England to start overhauling the club’s underperforming roster, seeking interest from Super League clubs for several players.
Richardson left Sydney for the UK on Tuesday night, initiating a potential player sale that could significantly impact the joint venture club.
According to anonymous sources, Richardson plans to meet with various clubs to explore deals for releasing some players from their contracts. The players’ managers are unaware of Richardson’s discreet mission. Attempts to contact Richardson and Wests Tigers chairman Barry O’Farrell were unsuccessful.
Insiders revealed that halfback Jayden Sullivan is Richardson’s top priority to offload. Sullivan’s current contract is worth around $500,000 annually, rising to $600,000 in the final years of his four-year agreement.
Sullivan, who joined the club in the off-season, was a key recruit for coach Benji Marshall, endorsed by former recruitment manager Scott Fulton. However, Richardson, who was not with the club when the deal was made, is now seeking a new team for Sullivan.
Richardson has committed $1.2 million annually to Panthers star Jarome Luai for the next five years starting in 2025 and needs funds to retain promising rookie Lachlan Galvin.
The club is also paying $450,000 per season for young talent Latu Fainu, who secured one of the highest-paying contracts for a player yet to debut in the NRL.
Other players likely to be offered to Super League clubs include Brent Naden (contracted until 2025 on approximately $300,000) and John Bateman (until 2026 on $600,000).
Richardson will also be meeting with potential new players, although sources confirm his main goal is to free up salary cap space and roster spots for the upcoming season.
The Tigers have one remaining spot on their 30-man roster for 2025 and recently extended a minimum-wage contract offer to injured utility Adam Doueihi, which he declined.
Additionally, back-rower Isaiah Papali’i has been permitted to explore options with other clubs. His contract, initially worth $650,000 annually from Parramatta, now includes a 15% increase, bringing it to around $750,000. However, Papali’i is not interested in moving to the Super League.
The Tigers, currently on a seven-game losing streak, are set to face the Cowboys this weekend.