In an ideal world, Jarome Luai would stay at the Wests Tigers beyond 2027. But putting his family first, he has decided that next season will be his last at the Tigers before joins new franchise PNG Chiefs who made him an offer too good to refuse.
Fans are entitled to respond any way they like, and my reading of the world of social media in the past 48 hours show that most of them understand why Luai made the decision.
Head coach Benji Marshall is with them.
“Jarome’s a quality human being who is widely respected across our club. I know how difficult this has been for him, but he’s put his family first and we respect his decision,’’ Marshall said at a media conference this morning.
“I just want to wish Jarome and his family all the best in what’s ahead for them and thank him for the contribution he’s already made to the Wests Tigers.’’
Marshall said Luai would have a significant role to play over the remainder of his time with the club this season and next.
“Jarome has been really important in the direction we’ve taken as a group over the past two seasons,” Marshall said.
“He’s still with us for the next 18 months and the role he plays in that journey continues. We’re all looking forward to having him with us during that time.’’
Well said, Benji, and take note fans who have taken the view the Luai move could destabilise the club as it eyes a finals appearance for the first time since 2011.
The Luai to PNG Chiefs story did not happen in a vacuum – Marshall and the Tigers are preparing for another big clash on Sunday with the Sharks.
Confidence levels will be sky high following their convincing 33-14 victory over the Raiders last round, which helped the Tigers to third place on the NRL competition ladder.
However, for the first time this season, Marshall has been forced by injury and suspension into making several changes to his line up.
There are two changes to the forward pack, with Tristan Hope and Tony Sukkar suiting up for the first time in 2026.
Hope replaces co-captain Api Koroisau, who will sit out the next three matches due to suspension.
Tony Sukkar will be wearing the #12 jersey in place of Kai Pearce-Paul, who is unavailable due to HIA protocols.
There has been a small shuffle to the backline, with Jeral Skelton starting on the wing and Sunia Turuva moving to fullback, stepping in for the injured Jahream Bula.
WESTS TIGERS LINEUP:
1. Sunia Turuva
2. Jeral Skelton
3. Taylan May
4. Starford To’a
5. Luke Laulilii
6. Jarome Luai
7. Adam Doueihi
8. Terrell May
9. Tristan Hope
10. Fonua Pole
11. Samuela Fainu
12. Tony Sukkar
13. Alex Twal
INTERCHANGE:
14. Jock Madden
15. Sione Fainu
16. Royce Hunt
17. Alex Seyfarth
18. Latu Fainu
19. Tino Tavana