2024 NRL Signings Tracker: Granville, TPJ, and Sailor Set to Move Abroad.
Injured Cowboys utility Jake Granville has announced he will leave North Queensland at the end of the 2024 season, marking the end of his time with the club he has been a life member of. Granville, who joined the Cowboys in 2015 and has played 207 games, expressed a desire to play overseas. Due to a pec injury, he will not return this season, meaning he has worn the Cowboys colors for the last time.
The 35-year-old played a crucial role in the club’s first premiership win in 2015, delivering the final pass for two of the Cowboys’ three tries in their 17-16 grand final victory over the Broncos. Earlier this season, Granville became the 12th life member of the Cowboys and the ninth player to reach 200 games for the club during Round 5 against the Titans.
In other news, Tongan prop Tevita Pangai Junior has signed with French Super League club Catalans Dragons for one year. Previously with the Dolphins, he will join Luke Keary of the Sydney Roosters and Reimis Smith of the Melbourne Storm at Catalans next year. His former Dolphins teammate, Jarrod Wallace, has already made the move to Perpignan. Since debuting for Brisbane in 2016, Pangai has scored 20 tries in 143 NRL matches, also representing Tonga in the 2017 World Cup and NSW in 2023. Catalans coach Steve McNamara noted that Pangai’s qualities will be a significant asset to the team.
Meanwhile, Broncos utility back Tristan Sailor has signed a two-year contract with St Helens in the English Super League for the 2025-2026 seasons. He expressed excitement about playing for a historic club and thanked the Broncos for the opportunity to join St Helens early.
The Warriors have re-signed Kalani Going, Tanner Stowers-Smith, and Motu Pasikala. Going and Stowers-Smith will join on development contracts for 2025, while Pasikala has signed a three-year deal extending through 2027. Additionally, Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson has announced his retirement at the end of the season after 14 seasons in the NRL, leaving a lasting legacy in New Zealand rugby league.
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have extended prop Taniela Paseka’s contract until the end of 2029, allowing the 26-year-old to potentially finish his career with the club. Coach Anthony Seibold highlighted that Paseka’s best years are still ahead of him. This extension follows the re-signing of prop Josh Aloiai until at least the end of the 2027 season.
The Melbourne Storm has signed representative prop Stefano Utoikamanu on a three-year contract through 2027 after he decided to leave Wests Tigers. Utoikamanu, who made his Origin debut last year, is anticipated to bring a strong work ethic to the Storm.
Parramatta has been unsuccessful in keeping promising young player Blaize Talagi, who has opted to leave the club after declining a favorable offer. CEO Jim Sarantinos expressed disappointment but wished him well.
Long-serving forward Jazz Tevaga will depart the Warriors at season’s end after nine years with the club. Warriors’ general manager Andrew McFadden thanked Tevaga for his contributions.
The Storm has released Kiwis international Reimis Smith to Catalans for a move effective immediately. Smith joined the Storm from the Bulldogs and has played 69 games, including four finals.
In addition, the Roosters announced that veteran Daniel Tupou has signed a two-year extension, keeping him with the club until the end of 2026. Tupou expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue representing the Roosters.
England international John Bateman has been released by Wests Tigers to join Warrington Wolves for the rest of the 2024 season, although he remains contracted with the Tigers for 2025 and 2026.
Cook Islands international Kayal Iro has extended his contract with the Sharks for two years, securing his place at the club until at least the end of 2026 after a strong performance in 2024.
Dolphins fullback Trai Fuller has signed a two-year deal, promoting him to the club’s Top 30 full-time squad for the 2025 and 2026 seasons after impressing in his 10 games.
Former Queensland Origin prop Jarrod Wallace has joined Catalans for the rest of the season after a successful NRL career, including stints at the Broncos, Titans, and Dolphins.
Tongan forward Sitili Tupouniua will sign a four-year contract with the Bulldogs after being released by the Roosters. The 27-year-old has played 96 NRL games and scored 28 tries.
Young Manly playmaker Jamie Humphreys is set to join the Rabbitohs on a two-year deal starting in 2025 after making a strong debut against the Knights.
Sydney Roosters five-eighth Luke Keary will continue his career in the Super League with Catalans after initially announcing his retirement. He has previously won premierships and represented both NSW and Ireland.
Elliott Whitehead, an England second-rower, is also joining Catalans next season after agreeing to a one-year deal, returning to the club after a decade in the NRL.
Fellow English forward Matty Nicholson will join the Raiders on a new three-year contract beginning in the 2025 season after making an impact with Warrington. He has already represented England at the Test level.
