Jarome Luai has confirmed his move to the Wests Tigers for the 2025 NRL season, citing the opportunity to take on a leadership role within the team as the primary motivation behind his decision to leave the Penrith Panthers, where he enjoyed considerable success.
After much speculation, Luai’s future was settled as he opted to join the struggling Tigers, despite interest from other clubs like Canterbury Bulldogs. Financial considerations were a factor, but Luai emphasized that the chance to have a more prominent role within the team was equally important to him.
Although Luai has yet to prove himself as a consistent starting playmaker in the NRL, he expressed a desire for greater responsibility, drawing on his experience with Samoa during the 2022 World Cup final. He sees this move as an opportunity to carve out his own path and make a mark on the game.
The Tigers, who have faced challenges in attracting top-tier talent, view Luai’s signing as a significant achievement. The presence of familiar faces from Penrith, including coach Cameron Ciraldo, added to the appeal for Luai, who also acknowledged the influence of Tigers coach Benji Marshall, his childhood hero.
Despite the excitement surrounding his move, Luai remains focused on finishing the current season with Penrith before fully transitioning to his new club. The Tigers are yet to determine who will partner him in the halves for the 2025 season, but they believe Luai’s experience and winning mentality will greatly benefit the team’s future.
In welcoming Luai, Marshall expressed confidence in his abilities both on and off the field, emphasizing that the team’s immediate focus remains on the ongoing 2024 season.
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