The Mole: Wests Tigers Face Heartbreaking Setback as Club Urged to Notify Rising Star

The challenging month for Wests Tigers is set to escalate as the club faces the pressing need to engage in serious discussions with their talented fullback, Jahream Bula.

Recognised as one of the standout young prospects in the league, Bula is under the management of the polarising Isaac Moses, whose actions have caused considerable turmoil for the club in recent years.

Moses has already encouraged gifted playmaker Lachlan Galvin to leave the club, leaving a significant mess in his wake. His history of poaching top talent from the Tigers includes notable names like James Tedesco, Aaron Woods, and Mitchell Moses, and with the recent turmoil surrounding Galvin, it’s likely he’ll attempt to secure a move for Bula as well.

The Tigers should consider urging Bula to seek new representation, or else reassess their options. Other clubs, like the Roosters, have been known to refuse negotiations with Moses, adopting that very approach.

The situation presents minimal risk for Wests, as Bula can activate an exit clause to leave at the end of 2026.

If Bula does depart, it would represent yet another severe setback for the Tigers, who are keen to rebuild and escape the shadow of the wooden spoon after three consecutive disappointing seasons.

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MANLY ‘DISENCHANTED’ BY DCE SAGA

The underlying tension at the Sea Eagles has become apparent, following Daly Cherry-Evans’ announcement about his departure in 2026.

Since DCE’s announcement, Manly’s season has suffered, with the team losing three out of their last four matches, shifting from potential title challengers to battlers.

Reports suggest that multiple young players at the club feel disillusioned after their captain’s unexpected decision, contributing to a style of play that appears chaotic.

Head coach Anthony Seibold finds himself in a difficult position with the season still unfolding and players uncertain about their future.

REP STAR FACING UNCERTAINTY

Which high-profile representative player is seemingly losing favour with both his coach and teammates?

On his best days, he is as influential as any forward in the league, yet he’s barely featured at the top level this season and might be heading for an exit in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned for updates.

‘RISING STAR’ AT RAIDERS

Canberra are on an upward trajectory and nurturing a remarkable talent in Ethan Alaia.

The 19-year-old has been impressing in the NSW Cup, demonstrating his ability to play in numerous positions—halfback, five-eighth, hooker, and fullback—and is earning high praise from Raiders coach Ricky Stuart.

So much so that the club has secured him until the end of 2028, following his standout performance in an NRL trial against Penrith a few months ago.

With Samoan heritage, Alaia is anticipated to emerge as an ideal number 14 and may find his way into Canberra’s top 30 squad next season.

“He is undoubtedly one to keep an eye on,” his manager Mick Chebi shared with Wide World of Sports.