Mal Meninga and the Perth Bears could be set to make a play for Titans marquee duo Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and David Fifita ahead of their NRL entry in 2027.
That is according to Code Sports, who are reporting Meninga played a crucial role in the Gold Coast’s recruitment of Fifita and Fa’asuamaleaui.
Meninga spent five years at the Titans as a consultant in high performance, with the 2023 axing of Justin Holbrook spelling the end of his tenure with the club.
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The rugby league Immortal reportedly was a key figure in the duo’s arrival under Holbrook, while Meninga could also poach old Coast recruitment chief Ezra Howe.
Howe has also been linked with a move west, and he was an instrumental figure in handing Fa’asuamaleaui his mammoth 10-year, $12 million contract.
However, that deal included get-out clauses which could see both him and Fifita free to depart the club at the end of the 2026 season.
“I’m a believer in you got to get the right people. We talk about how important a spine is, but I think it’s important you get the right person,” Meninga said.
“That’s more important than anything because they’ll become the face of the club eventually. They are the ones that have got to be passionate about the game.
“Your high-profile guys are really important to you regardless of where they play.”
Meanwhile, with the Titans struggling, Bears legend Billy Moore highlighted Fa’asuamaleaui as a dream recruit.
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“Three players I would sign for the Bears would be Jahrome Hughes, Payne Haas and big Tino,” he said.
“Tino is the player you can build your franchise around.
“He is the Queensland version of Glenn Lazarus and he is captaincy material for a new franchise.
“To get Jahrome and Tino away from their current clubs, the reality is the Bears will have to look at paying $1.5 million-a-season, but both of them are worth every cent.”
Fifita, meanwhile, has endured a turbulent season at the Titans, being dropped before a dispute surrounding his return from an ankle surgery emerged.
