NRL: Dolphins’ talks with Saifiti stall over pay demands
Daniel Saifiti wants more money than the Dolphins are willing to offer, with the Newcastle Knights forward refusing to take a pay cut for an early exit ahead of the 2025 NRL season.
The 28-year-old is on contract until 2026, but he has been in talks with the Dolphins about leaving the Knights early.
Salary cap pressure has led Newcastle to put Saifiti on the market.
The $800,000 asking price is too much for the Dolphins to stomach, but the former New South Wales player has made it clear that he is not prepared to take a step backwards in pay.
“If the club think I am taking a pay cut to go somewhere else, it’s not happening,” Saifiti said recently.
“At the end of the day, the ball is in my court, and I can do what I want.”
If the Dolphins do not increase their offer, then Saifiti will stay at the Knights — possibly against the club’s wishes.
Jack Bird moving to Wests Tigers?
Saifiti is not the only transfer potentially taking place this week, with Jack Bird spotted outside the Wests Tigers’ offices on Tuesday.
The St George Illawarra utility has just one year left in his contract with the Dragons, who are reported to be open to an early departure for the 29-year-old.
Bird has been an inconsistent starter for the Dragons in 2024 courtesy of injuries and patchy form.
One player that is confirmed to be joining the Tigers is Royce Hunt, with the club announcing on Tuesday that the Cronulla Sharks enforcer will be signing a three-year deal.
“Royce is a great leader who will be invaluable in assisting us with the development of the younger players at the club,” said Benji Marshall, coach of the Tigers.
“We look forward to welcoming Royce and his family to our club.”
The Tigers have more pressing matters, with a bottom-of-the-table clash against the Parramatta Eels coming up in the final round of the NRL regular season this weekend.
The loser will be consigned to the wooden spoon — a spot the Tigers will be eager to avoid after finishing last the past two years.
NRL bookmakers have the Tigers at $1.65 to finish 2024 with the most losses, while Parramatta are at $2.25.
