Wests Tigers outside back Asu Kepaoa has swiftly transferred to Penrith as they seek to fill the void left by the sidelined Taylan May. Penrith secured Kepaoa on an 18-month contract, effective immediately, with him becoming eligible for selection starting next week.
This transaction is part of a larger inter-club swap, as the reigning premiers have released forward Ativalu Lisati to Melbourne for the remainder of 2024 and the entirety of 2025. Kepaoa’s acquisition aids the Tigers in alleviating salary cap strain and laying groundwork for future plans, while also bolstering Penrith’s squad during a crucial period.
May’s status within the club remains uncertain due to his involvement in a legal case related to domestic violence, prompting Penrith to issue a show-cause notice. Settlement discussions regarding May’s departure have commenced, but a decision is pending. Even if May retains his contract, he is prohibited from playing until the conclusion of his court proceedings, scheduled for March 2025.
While Penrith already possesses depth in their backline, with players like Paul Alamoti stepping up in May’s absence, the addition of Kepaoa further fortifies their options. Originally from the Sydney Roosters, Kepaoa’s move to the Tigers in 2020 saw him tally 13 tries in 43 appearances. Despite limited game time this season, his versatility adds value to Penrith’s lineup, with potential roles in the bench or second row if required.
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