Jarome Luai to depart Wests Tigers, signs with Parramatta Eels for 2027 season
Jarome Luai, the Wests Tigers captain, is set to leave the club at the end of the 2026 season. This decision comes after the Tigers confirmed last week that 2026 would be his final year with them. Luai will then join the Parramatta Eels for the 2027 season on a one-year deal before moving to the PNG Chiefs in 2028.
Luai arrived at the Tigers in 2025 with a five-year, $6 million deal, seeking to establish himself as a primary playmaker after winning four premierships with Penrith alongside Nathan Cleary. He had previously been described as a “back-up singer” by Andrew Johns, a comment that Luai stated made him feel “underappreciated” and motivated him to become his “own man.”
Luai’s Impact at Wests Tigers
The Tigers’ acquisition of Luai was intended to help lead the club back to the finals and change its culture. Coach Benji Marshall had expressed confidence in Luai’s ability to set standards on and off the field. An incident in 2023 saw Luai publicly confront teammate Jaeman Salmon for missing an assignment, which Luai defended as a “courageous conversation” aimed at improving the team.
Despite the initial optimism, Luai’s tenure at the Tigers has been a subject of debate regarding its success. While the team has not reached the finals during his time, some observers, like Fox League’s Braith Anasta, suggest he brought a culture that has seen the club improve as an organisation. Anasta noted that Luai united the club and contributed to its forward step, even if a “huge success” was not achieved.
Luai’s presence at the club is also credited with attracting other players, including the May brothers, premiership-winning teammate Sunia Turuva, and English Test forward Kai Pearce-Paul. These players might not have joined the Tigers had Luai not signed on, indicating his influence beyond on-field performance.
Departure and Future Plans
The decision for Luai to depart the Tigers stemmed from a contractual clause that allowed him to leave after each season. When the PNG Chiefs offered him a tax-free contract, he informed the Tigers of his intention to leave at the end of 2027. However, as the team’s performance declined, the Tigers offered him the option to leave at the end of 2026 if he found another club.
Luai admitted it was “a shock” to be released from his contract but stated he was “at peace” with the club’s decision. He views the situation as a business decision and supports the club’s choice to allow younger players, particularly in the halves, an opportunity to prosper. Rumours of a breakdown in his relationship with coach Benji Marshall were denied by both parties, with Luai stating they have “utmost respect” for each other.
The Parramatta Eels have signed Luai for the 2027 season, with the Tigers contributing $500,000 to his $1.2 million contract, making his cost to the Eels $700,000 for the year. Eels coach Jason Ryles expressed satisfaction with signing Luai for a season to assist the team, which has also signed young talent like Isaiah Iongi, Tallyn Da Silva, and Ryley Smith.
Luai will join the PNG Chiefs in 2028 as a foundation player.
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Source: foxsports.com.au
