Sounds like it’s all fallen over
The Wests Tigers have pounced on winger Ken Maumalo who has agreed to a lengthy deal to join the Tigers immediately.
The Warriors only gave Maumalo permission to negotiate with rival clubs this week but the Tigers have moved quickly to snap him up.
Mauomolo told his Warriors teammates of the move at training on Saturday morning.
The Tigers had been in discussions with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and were close to agreeing to a deal which would have seen the Canterbury fullback link with New Zealand coach Michael Maguire at the Tigers.
But when the parties were unable to agree to a long-term deal, the Tigers shifted their focus to Maumalo who suddenly appeared on the player market.
The Tigers only wanted to offer Watene-Zelezniak a 1.5 year contract – the same length he is on at the Bulldogs. He is on a deal worth about $850,000 next season.
Negotiations stalled for season 2023.
Maumalo’s manager only wrote to clubs late last week to tell them the 26-year-old was open to a move.
The deal is understood to be for the next 3.5 years. Maumalo has not played since round 10 after playing the opening 10 matches of the year. Maumalo has scored 41 tries from 105 games. Maumalo and David Fusitu’a were once staples on the Warriors flank but both have struggled this season.
Englishman Oliver Gildart will join the Tigers next year as they make impressive additions to their outside backs.
Maumalo could be available for the Tigers clash against the Storm next Saturday.
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