Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall is speaking about the departure of Jarome Luai for the first time after the club announced they would be parting ways with their captain at season’s end.
Luai was contracted with the Tigers until the end of 2027, but reached an agreement with the club to be released from his contract a year early after signing with the Papua New Guinea Chiefs from 2028.
The Tigers want to free up cash to be able to upgrade and extend the contracts of players such as brothers Latu and Samuela Fainu to ensure they weren’t lost to the club. Parramatta are favourites to land Luai’s signature for 2027.
When Luai signed with the Tigers after winning four premierships with Penrith, his original contract was until 2029. However, it contained a clause in his favour that allowed him to renew on an annual basis.
More to come
Billie Eder is a sports reporter at The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via X or email.
