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Wests Tigers are facing mounting pressure to secure Jahream Bula’s future, with fears intensifying that Canterbury could attempt to lure the star fullback away if his contract situation remains unresolved.
The Tigers currently hold a club option worth $900,000 for Bula’s 2027 season, but have yet to activate it as they continue negotiations over a longer-term extension. That delay has sparked speculation rival clubs—most notably the Bulldogs—could position themselves to capitalize should talks stall.
Concerns have grown largely due to the influence of Bulldogs football boss Phil Gould, whose aggressive recruitment record has many believing Canterbury could mount a serious push if Bula becomes available.
Speaking on NRL 360, Brent Read suggested Gould’s track record makes the threat real regardless of Canterbury’s current roster structure.
“When Gus wants something to happen, he makes it happen,” Read said.
“He’ll move players, shuffle things around and create room if he wants Bula.”
The comparison has already been drawn to Canterbury’s pursuit of Lachlan Galvin, with pundits warning the Tigers could face a similar scenario if negotiations drag on.
Debate has also emerged around the contractual dynamics tied to Bula’s management situation, with suggestions that a move away from the Tigers could create a more financially attractive arrangement for his representatives under a fresh negotiated deal.
Despite the speculation, insiders still expect Wests Tigers to trigger the 2027 option if no long-term agreement is reached before the deadline. However, the club is reportedly continuing to assess the market before committing fully.
As part of that contingency planning, the Tigers have made inquiries regarding Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater in case Bula’s future takes an unexpected turn.
Still, several analysts believe delaying the decision is an unnecessary gamble given Bula’s importance to the side and the Tigers’ strong form this season.
Michael Carayannis warned the club risks creating a distraction by prolonging the uncertainty.
“They’d be mad not to take the option now,” Carayannis said.
“Lock him in, remove the distraction, and sort the long-term deal afterward.”
With the Tigers enjoying one of their most settled periods in recent years and Bula central to that resurgence, losing him—particularly to a direct rival like Canterbury—would represent a major blow both on and off the field.
For now, Wests Tigers retain control through the club option, but the longer the situation remains unresolved, the louder the noise around a potential Bulldogs raid will become.
