Wests Tigers have pulled off a major recruitment coup, officially landing the signatures of boom rookies Latu and Samuela Fainu on four-year deals.
The pair will move on from Manly at the end of this year and despite attracting interest from a host of NRL clubs, have opted to head to Concord and link up with Benji Marshall and Scott Fulton.
The younger brothers of former Sea Eagles hooker Manase Fainu, the teenage duo both represented NSW in the recent U19s State of Origin clash and have been touted as future superstars.
Samuela is a year older and has already made his first grade debut in the forwards for Manly, while five-eighth Latu has been playing for the club's Jersey Flegg side.
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Wests Tigers officially sign Latu and Samuela Fainu
Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe declared the two signings represented "terrific news" for the club as they attempt to rebuild towards the future after yet another disappointing campaign.
“Latu and Samuela are both exceptional young talents and it’s tremendous that they will be with us for several years," Pascoe said.
"I know both young men are excited about continuing their development as players under Tim (Sheens) and Benji.
"We look forward to welcoming Latu and Samuela to the club at the end of this season."
With long-time playmaker Luke Brooks leaving the club at the end of next season and Adam Doueihi sidelined for an extended period with a knee injury, Latu could be a genuine chance of making his NRL debut for the Tigers next year, while Samuela is expected to slot straight into the forward pack upon his arrival.
Who is Latu Fainu?
The teenage prospect from Manly has been turning heads in the lower grades this year, featuring for the club's Jersey Flegg outfit and playing in the recent U19s State of Origin fixture.
Fainu is a five-eighth or halfback and while he only celebrated his 18th birthday in May, has been touted for a jump to the NRL in the coming years.
The 18-year-old is off-contract at the end of 2023 and looks set to move away from the Sea Eagles after the club opted to sign the aforementioned Brooks on a long-term deal.
Who is Samuela Fainu?
The 19-year-old forward made his NRL debut for Manly earlier this year, averaging 74 run metres and 18 tackles per game across his five appearances in the top grade.
Fainu also featured in the back-row for NSW U19s alongside his younger brother, and is off-contract at the end of this season.
