NZ Warriors have missed out on another high-profile signing, with teenage sensation Tino Fa'asuamaleaui opting to join Gold Coast Titans on a three-year deal.
Currently contracted to the Melbourne Storm, Fa'asuamaleaui is seen as one of rugby legue's best young players and was in hot demand, with several clubs chasing his services.
The teenager has played just five NRL matches for a total of 113 minutes.
Earlier this week Fa'asuamaleaui, 19, verbally agreed to join the Warriors on a four-year deal, but on Thursday, the Kiwi franchise was informed he would knock back its multi-million-dollar offer, worth about $700,000 per season.
Fa'asuamaleaui is the latest player to turn down a massive Warriors contract, with Brisbane Broncos trio Matt Lodge, Tevita Pangai Jr and Jake Turpin, along with Fijian international Api Koroisau, all rejecting deals during the 2019 season.
At 1.97m and 115kg, Fa'asuamaleaui would go a long way to solving some of the Warriors' issues up front, where they were consistently overpowered by opposition packs last season.
But instead, he'll strengthen the Titans pack from 2021 and new Titans coach Justin Holebrook can't wait to work with the Samoan international.
"Tino has already proven to be one of the most promising young players in the game and we're excited to have him joining the Titans," Holbrook said.
"His signing is a huge win for the club, considering the high-demand and interest there was in Tino from a number of NRL clubs.
"We have a great crop of local talent here, and off the back of the re-signing of AJ Brimson, Moeaki Fotuaika and Phil Sami, Tino is another one of those young players that we can look forward to seeing in action in the future."
The Warriors will likely continue their pursuit of Broncos star David Fifita, but a deal seems unlikely at this stage, with four Sydney clubs also aiming to sign the 19-year-old.
Hooker Wayde Egan is the Warriors' only new signing so far this off-season.
