Stefano Utoikamanu's contract saga is set to drag on until at least the weekend after the in-demand Wests Tigers prop held off any decision on his future.
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Utoikamanu on Wednesday travelled to New Zealand with teammates, ahead of Friday evening's clash with the Warriors.
There had been a thought Utoikamanu could tell the club on Wednesday whether he would take up a new five-year deal, or sign elsewhere for next season.
But AAP has been told that decision won't be made until after this weekend's game at the earliest, meaning the situation is likely to drag into next week.
Melbourne remain the front-runners to sign Utoikamanu if he opts to leave the Tigers, while the Dolphins are another option.
Canterbury are also a club who could benefit from the 24-year-old's size in the middle.
Initially contracted to the Tigers for 2025, Utoikamanu was able to become a free agent when he missed State of Origin selection and the joint-venture club fell out of the finals race.
The situation comes as the Tigers continue to sort their salary cap and roster out for next season, including the potential of an early exit for John Bateman.
Sam Burgess confirmed on Tuesday night that Bateman could soon leave the NRL for Warrington, with the Tigers forward moving on a potential loan deal.
Contracted to the Tigers until the end of 2026, Bateman is considering heading back to England for the final months of this season and linking with Burgess at the Wolves.
The move would save the Tigers close to $150,000 in their salary cap, late in a season which is already effectively over given the club sit in last place.
Bateman has added to a long list of disappointments for the Tigers since arriving at the start of last year, but is at this stage still due to return for next season.
"We all know what John can bring, he's a great competitor and he's got some great rugby in front of him," Burgess told English media in his role as Warrington coach.
"I've spoken to (Tigers CEO) Shane Richardson and Benji Marshall. Nothing is finalised, it is a bit of an idea.
"I've spoken to John as well but nothing is finalised. We felt there might be an opportunity there and we've got space to do something."
Bateman and Burgess have links dating back to the 30-year-old's time at Bradford, the same club in which Burgess grew up playing for.
The Tigers had looked to ship some talent overseas earlier this year in a bid to free up cap space, with Richardson touring England in May.
That trip is yet to result in any departures, with five-eighth Jayden Sullivan refusing to budge from his lucrative deal and centre Brent Naden keen to stay on at the Tigers.
The club have shed Isaiah Papali'i to Penrith for next season. Outside back Asu Kepaoa has also headed there this year, while Jake Simpkin moved to Manly.
Australian Associated Press
