The Wests Tigers are expected to upgrade the contract of fullback Jahream Bula in a bid to clear him to make his NRL debut.
Described by Tigers coach Tim Sheens as the club's "long-term fullback", Bula has been named to face Manly at Campbelltown Stadium on Sunday.
The Auckland-born No.1 has beaten Daine Laurie to the starting fullback role as the Tigers seek to end their 2023 winless run.
He will be the fourth fullback the club has used through their opening six games of the season.
His inclusion is likely to fast-track a contract for Bula, who is not part of the Tigers' top-30 squad.
Bula is unable to play for the Tigers until he has signed a top-30 contract or has received an exemption.
Even accounting for injuries to Adam Doueihi and Brent Naden, the club would be unlikely to receive an exemption given Charlie Staines and Laurie are already in the Tigers' 17-man squad.
Axed winger David Nofoaluma, fit again after a foot fracture, is also listed on the extended bench and would need to feature before any players outside the top 30.
But Bula's upgrade to the full-time 30-man squad would counteract that issue.
Sheens and Naden have heaped praise on Bula, who comes from the same Keebra Park High School on the Gold Coast that developed Payne Haas and David Fifita.
"He's fast and strong and he's been playing a bit of NSW Cup. He's deserving of his debut," Naden said.
"If I had his physique I wouldn't own a shirt because he doesn't have an ounce of fat on him.
"I am a bit frustrated that I couldn't make it back to play in his debut game."
Laurie will have to make do with a spot on the bench for the Tigers after returning to the squad for the first time since round four.
Naden, who is expected to return from a shoulder injury next week against Penrith, said Laurie had taken his demotion to reserve grade for the last month in his stride.
"He's always upbeat and has this infectious smile," Naden said.
"He's worth his weight in gold. You could put him in the front row and he'd run it as hard as he can at the biggest blokes."
