Tigers and Storm confirm Nofoaluma resumes his training with the Tigers. but only as an observer

David Nofoaluma was back at Wests Tigers’ training grounds at Concord on Monday, but only as an observer due to a calf injury that prevented him from participating in the field session. The club’s leading try-scorer had been absent from training due to what he perceived as unfair treatment. Sources familiar with the situation, speaking on the condition of anonymity, suggested that Nofoaluma’s future with the Tigers in 2024 might be in jeopardy.

Nofoaluma, who desires to continue playing for the club, agreed to return to training after holding discussions with Tigers officials and representatives from the Rugby League Players’ Association last Thursday evening. Representatives Jamie Buhrer and Sia Soliola from the RLPA conversed with Nofoaluma at the conclusion of Monday’s training session. However, the RLPA clarified that their presence was not specifically related to Nofoaluma’s situation but rather to address the entire playing group.

Despite being one of the Tigers’ highest-paid players under a contract worth $500,000 per year until the end of 2025, Nofoaluma refrained from commenting when approached by the media. The 30-year-old winger has encountered difficulties since returning to pre-season training, even failing to outpace some front-rowers in a time trial.

Newly appointed coach Benji Marshall, who previously played alongside Nofoaluma at the Tigers, has emphasized to the team that starting spots are not guaranteed, with performance during the offseason determining selections for the NRL side in round one. Marshall and Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe declined to comment on the matter.

Nofoaluma’s stint with the Melbourne Storm in 2022 saw a decline in his form, and he spent time in reserve grade last season, missing the final game due to illness. The Tigers are aware that they may need to facilitate any potential deal for Nofoaluma elsewhere, but interest from other NRL clubs or the Super League has been limited.

Complicating matters further is Nofoaluma’s ongoing contract negotiations with his management company. In other news, the Wests Ashfield board is set to convene on Tuesday night to review the corporate governance of the joint venture, with considerations including the possibility of restructuring the board.

The review comes in the wake of the Tigers’ failure to qualify for the NRL finals series for the eleventh consecutive season. Additionally, the Tigers have confirmed the signing of Solomon Alaimalo, a 27-year-old outside back previously with the Waikato Chiefs in Super Rugby. Alaimalo, the 2017 Chiefs rookie of the year, participated in his first training session with the Tigers on Monday.