Dragons to pounce on Jahream Bula if Tigers can’t seal deal

St George Illawarra plan to make a huge play for Jahream Bula to be the long-term successor for Clint Gutherson if the star fullback does not come to terms with Wests Tigers.

The Tigers will launch their premiership campaign on Saturday against the Cowboys at Leichhardt Oval with the long-term futures of marquee men Bula and co-captain Jarome Luai undecided.

Bula has a mutual option in his contract for 2027. The Tigers have until May to exercise it, which would result in him playing next season on a salary of $900,000. If they choose not to, Bula can take up a player option to stay put by the following month at a price of $800,000. If neither occurs, Bula is free on the open market.

Sources not authorised to speak publicly because Bula’s isn’t a free agent have told this masthead that the Dragons will make the No.1 a priority target if he can’t strike an agreement with the Tigers.

Gutherson has made a positive impact on the club since arriving last year, providing leadership as co-captain and a reliable figure at the back. However, Gutherson is contracted until the end of next year and the Red V wants a succession plan for the fullback spot. Another custodian option, Tyrell Sloan, is contracted until the end of 2026.

Both clubs identify Bula as a potential franchise player. Dragons officials, to ensure they were observing anti-tampering rules, contacted the NRL to get clarification on when they are permitted to approach Bula. That can only happen if the deadline for Bula or the Tigers to take up the option expires.

The Tigers remain hopeful of coming to terms with the Fijian international, but it won’t happen before their season kicks off. Former chief executive Shane Richardson felt he was close to securing commitments from Bula and Luai before he resigned late last year. Bula’s wife Aaliyah - the daughter of former Bulldogs, Dragons, Sea Eagles and Tigers forward Solomon Haumono - was last year cut from the Tigers’ NRLW squad.

The Tigers have signed promising Panther Jack Attard, a former Australian Schoolboys fullback, as insurance should Bula move on.

Bula has also been linked with Canterbury. Bulldogs fullback Connor Tracey is off contract at the end of the season.

In other contract news, Cronulla is expected to announce the retention of Billy Burns for a further two seasons. The Perth Bears had expressed interest in Burns, but the back-rower has opted to remain in the Shire.