Phil Gould has labelled the possibility of the Perth Bears offering Tino Fa’asuamaleaui a staggering $7.5 million contract over five years as "ridiculous." Gould confidently expressed his belief that Des Hasler will remain as the coach of the Gold Coast Titans, a team currently mired in last place.
Fa’asuamaleaui’s future has become a hot topic following his manager’s announcement about exploring the open market. It’s no secret that Mal Meninga is eager to secure the talented front-rower for the new Bears franchise, with reports suggesting that he could become the highest-paid prop in the league.
In 2023, Fa’asuamaleaui’s management negotiated a lengthy contract—the specifics of which allowed for a potential exit clause should he wish to explore other options, effective from November 1. Gould voiced his frustration during a segment on Wide World of Sports’ Six Tackles with Gus, particularly regarding the frequent insertion of exit clauses, which he deems contradictory to the spirit of a long-term commitment between clubs and players.
He remarked, “If I ever sat down with a player and a player manager who wanted the option to negotiate their way out of the contract… I would say don’t bother coming or staying.” He emphasised the expectation of mutual commitment in player contracts, questioning the rationale behind the reinstatement of exit clauses.
While recognising Fa’asuamaleaui’s talent, Gould cast doubt on the appropriateness of a front-rower commanding a salary of $1.5 million per season, especially when the Titans are not performing well. He argued that investing such a large sum in a position that does not control the game’s outcome could be problematic. “If you can’t influence the scoreboard, it doesn’t matter how rough and tough your front-rower is,” he stated.
Moreover, Gould warned of the risks associated with a high-priced player, particularly concerning Fa’asuamaleaui’s injury history; should an expensive player spend significant time on the sidelines, it could jeopardise the team’s performance.
Fa’asuamaleaui’s decision to seek new opportunities stems from a desire for certainty regarding the Titans’ future direction amidst speculations of Hasler’s coaching tenure. However, Gould believes there have been positive signs of improvement in the team’s recent performances, leading him to predict that Hasler will continue with the Titans. “I’ll be very, very surprised if he’s not coaching the Titans next year… and I’ll be very, very surprised if Tino’s not there next year,” Gould concluded.