The Mole: Dolphins emerge as favourites to sign talented brothers in huge blow for Tigers
In another blow to the embattled Tigers, the Dolphins have emerged as the new favourites to sign brilliant young Manly brothers Latu and Samuela Fainu.
The pair, currently at Manly, are regarded among the hottest young properties in rugby league.
They were expected to follow highly-regarded recruitment manager Scott Fulton, who recently left the Sea Eagles for the Tigers.
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But in the wake of the Tigers' dismal showings in recent weeks, the pair are now leaning towards the Dolphins, according to a source close to the brothers.
They have met with Wayne Bennett, and the Dolphins coach and rugby league guru made a big impression on the pair.
Latu is a halfback and the Tigers believe he could be the long-term successor to Luke Brooks, who will move to Manly in 2024.
He signed rugby league's all-time biggest contract by a teenager three years ago at the age of 16.
Back-rower Samuela has already played a handful of top grade games for Manly in the back row this season and looks a likely prospect.
The pair's older brother, Manase, was a classy hooker with the Sea Eagles before being jailed for stabbing a man in 2019.
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Samuela Fainu in action for Manly against the Roosters. Matt King/Getty Images
Tigers coach Benji Marshall met with the pair recently to give them his vision for the club.
But the record 74-0 thrashing by the Cowboys last week sent alarm bells to the brothers.
"There are a few clubs interested and we are just weighing up what's best for the boys and their family," manager Mario Tartak told WWOS.
The Tigers gave a more whole-hearted performance against the Sharks on Thursday night, holding them to 12-all at halftime before being over-run in the second half.
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