Charlie Staines, who joined the Wests Tigers in 2023 with the aim of securing an upgraded role at fullback or on the wing, is set to continue his tenure with the club. Despite playing only nine games in his first season at the joint-venture, and spending time in the NSW Cup, recent reports from Sky Sports Radio suggest that Staines has re-signed with the Tigers this week.
Staines, who previously played 38 games between his 2020 debut and his 2022 exit from the Penrith Panthers, faced challenges in breaking into the Tigers’ starting lineup. The fullback spot was occupied by Jahream Bula, and Staines struggled to secure a place in the outside backs. Despite this, it seems that the Tigers have decided to extend his contract, and he is expected to join the team for training soon.
The nature of Staines’ new deal, whether it’s a Top 30 or supplementary contract, remains unclear. The Tigers were believed to have a full squad for the 2024 campaign, and the details of Staines’ contract extension are yet to be disclosed.
As the Tigers prepare for the 2024 season under new head coach Benji Marshall, who took over from Tim Sheens, there is a sense of anticipation regarding potential changes in the squad. The team is rumored to be one of the most active in the player market for 2025, with plans to strengthen the roster. This puts pressure on the current 2024 squad to secure their spots ahead of potential arrivals, including notable players like Melbourne Storm centre Justin Olam and Penrith Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai, who Marshall has reportedly met with face to face in recent days.
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