CONFIRMED: Canberra Raiders Edge Out Sydney Roosters to Secure Tino Fa’asuamaleaui on Historic Deal
The Canberra Raiders have sent shockwaves through the NRL after officially confirming the signing of Gold Coast Titans captain and representative enforcer Tino Fa’asuamaleaui on a blockbuster three-year deal worth a reported $25 million. The stunning move sees the Green Machine beat fierce rivals the Sydney Roosters in one of the most significant recruitment wins in recent NRL history.
Long considered one of the competition’s premier forwards, Fa’asuamaleaui’s decision to join Canberra marks a defining moment for the Raiders and a major statement of intent as the club looks to re-establish itself as a genuine premiership contender. Few expected the Raiders to outmuscle the Roosters—long renowned for their pulling power and financial clout—but Canberra’s bold vision and commitment ultimately proved decisive.
At just 25, Tino arrives in the capital as one of the most dominant middle forwards in the game. Known for his brutal carries, tireless work rate, leadership qualities, and uncompromising defence, the former Melbourne Storm junior has been the heartbeat of the Titans since his arrival on the Gold Coast. As club captain, he led by example every week, earning widespread respect across the league and among teammates.
Sources close to the negotiations revealed that the Roosters were confident of landing the Queensland Origin star, having identified him as a long-term replacement for their ageing forward pack. However, Canberra’s willingness to build their future around Fa’asuamaleaui—and back it with a historic financial commitment—proved to be the difference.
The $25 million deal is one of the richest ever offered to a forward in NRL history and underscores just how highly the Raiders rate Tino’s influence both on and off the field. The contract also reflects the club’s belief that he can be the cornerstone of their next premiership push.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart is understood to have played a pivotal role in the recruitment, personally outlining how Fa’asuamaleaui would be the leader of Canberra’s pack and a central figure in the club’s long-term strategy. With a young core already in place, Tino’s arrival is expected to elevate standards and bring a hardened, finals-tested mentality to the squad.
For the Titans, the loss is significant. Fa’asuamaleaui was not only their most influential player but also the face of the franchise. While Gold Coast officials have thanked him for his service and leadership, replacing a forward of his calibre will be no easy task.
NRL fans and pundits alike have described the move as a “game-changer,” with many tipping Canberra to become immediate top-four contenders once Tino pulls on the lime green jersey. His signing sends a clear message across the league: the Raiders are no longer rebuilding—they are loading up.
As the dust settles on one of the biggest deals in modern NRL history, one thing is certain: Tino Fa’asuamaleaui to Canberra is a transfer that will reshape the competition and be talked about for years to come.
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