Wests Tigers grant Jarome Luai early release, Eels emerge as potential destination
The Wests Tigers have reportedly granted co-captain Jarome Luai permission to depart the club at the conclusion of the current season, despite having one year remaining on his contract. This development could free up a significant amount of salary cap space for the Tigers. Luai, who is the highest-earning player at the club, is slated to join the incoming PNG Chiefs in 2028.
Following the news, Luai posted a cryptic message on Instagram stating, “Gods plan not mine.” The decision to allow Luai to seek an early exit comes after he signed a contract to join the PNG Chiefs for their inaugural 2028 season. Concerns regarding Luai‘s recent performance and the possibility of him promoting the PNG Chiefs while still with the Tigers next season are believed to have prompted the club’s move.
Tigers’ Strategic Shift and Player Movements
The Tigers are reportedly prepared to contribute between $200,000 and $300,000 to facilitate Luai‘s move to another club. This financial contribution aims to help him secure a deal elsewhere for the 2027 season before he transitions to the PNG Chiefs. The club is also looking to recalibrate its playmaking roster and is preparing an extension for Latu Fainu, who is seen as a potential replacement in the halves.
The Tigers already have depth in their halves with Adam Doueihi signed until the end of the 2029 season, and Jock Madden also under contract for next season. Additionally, new recruit Jake Averillo will join the club on a long-term deal. Latu Fainu is contracted until the end of 2027, and the club is keen to extend his stay. This focus on securing other key players includes extensions for Jahream Bula, the May brothers, Sunia Turuva, and Heamasi Makasini.
The early departure of Luai could also create additional salary cap space, which might be used to re-sign standout second-rower Samuela Fainu, whose contract is set to expire after 2027. Both Latu and Samuela Fainu can entertain rival offers if they become available on November 1, though the Tigers aim to finalise re-signing talks before then.
Potential Destinations and Impact on Team Performance
The Parramatta Eels have emerged as a leading contender for Luai‘s services for a one-year deal in 2027. The Eels have salary cap space and a need for a scrumbase player alongside captain Mitchell Moses. Eels coach Jason Ryles indicated interest in quality players, stating that he needs to gather more information regarding Luai‘s situation. The prospect of signing Luai on a short-term deal could allow emerging young halves like Joash Papalii, Lincoln Fletcher, and Lorenzo Talataina more time to develop.
The Perth Bears, an incoming team, have also expressed private interest in Luai, as they are seeking a marquee player ahead of their entry into the competition next season. However, reports suggest that discussions with the Eels might be advanced, with some believing a deal could already be in the process of being finalised.
The news of Luai‘s potential early exit comes amidst a challenging period for the Tigers. The team’s form has declined since Luai initially signed with the PNG Chiefs, with a record of 2-6 since that time. Despite earlier aspirations of being a top-four contender, the Tigers are currently in 12th position, four points outside the top eight. Fullback Jahream Bula, who recently recommitted to the club long-term, expressed belief that a single confidence-boosting victory could turn their season around.
Analyst Brad Fittler noted that the Tigers‘ recent loss to the Dragons, a team at the bottom of the ladder, would have been significantly worse without the performances of Adam Doueihi and Jahream Bula. The relationship between Luai and coach Benji Marshall has also been a subject of discussion, with one report suggesting it could be strained, although Tigers officials have stated there are no issues between them. Luai is expected to play against the Warriors on Friday night after returning from delayed concussion symptoms.
The Tigers‘ decision to part ways with Luai a year early has been described by some as an acknowledgement that the $1.2 million experiment has not been successful. Despite this, some believe Luai provided credibility to the club and made it a more attractive destination, even if on-field results have not always followed. The Tigers will face the Warriors on Friday night in a crucial match for their finals hopes.
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Source: nine.com.au
