bankstown bulldogs have officially entered the race to sign rising nrl star xavier va’a, joining the west tigers and sydney roosters in what is shaping up to be one of the most hotly contested transfer battles of the off-season. the 21-year-old forward, currently contracted to the melbourne storm, has become a highly sought-after player due to his standout performances in the 2024 season.
va’a, who made his nrl debut in 2023, quickly earned a reputation as a dynamic and hard-hitting forward with the ability to break tackles and dominate the middle of the field. his athleticism, work rate, and versatility have made him an attractive prospect for clubs looking to bolster their forward packs. with his contract at the storm set to expire at the end of 2024, multiple teams have been vying for his signature.
the bulldogs’ interest comes as part of their ongoing rebuild under head coach cameron ciraldo. the team has been aggressively pursuing young talent in an effort to climb back into premiership contention. sources close to the club suggest that signing va’a is a top priority, with the bulldogs reportedly prepared to offer a lucrative multi-year deal to secure his services.
west tigers, on the other hand, are equally determined to bring va’a into their ranks. the club, under the guidance of head coach benji marshall, has been focusing on rejuvenating its roster with young, high-potential players. va’a’s addition would complement their emerging talent and provide the tigers with a formidable presence in the forward pack.
meanwhile, the sydney roosters, renowned for their ability to attract top-tier talent, have also made their interest in va’a known. the tri-colours see him as a long-term replacement for some of their aging forwards and a key piece in maintaining their dominance in the league. the roosters’ track record of success and their reputation as a powerhouse club could prove to be a major factor in their pursuit.
va’a has remained tight-lipped about his future, stating in recent interviews that his primary focus is on performing for the storm in the upcoming season. “right now, i’m just focused on my game and helping melbourne achieve success. the rest will take care of itself,” he said. however, it is understood that va’a and his management are carefully considering all offers, with factors such as team culture, playing opportunities, and long-term development playing crucial roles in his decision.
fans from all three clubs have taken to social media to express their hopes of landing the talented forward. some bulldogs supporters believe va’a could be the missing piece in their quest to return to finals football, while tigers and roosters fans see him as a key asset in strengthening their respective squads.
as the negotiations heat up, all eyes will be on va’a and the decision he makes for his future. with three competitive clubs in the mix, this transfer saga promises to be a highlight of the off-season and a potential game-changer for whichever team emerges victorious.
