Jarome Luai says his focus is helping the Wests Tigers finish the season strongly. Speaking after his departure at season’s end was confirmed, Luai thanked the club.
“I’m grateful to everyone involved with the club for everything over the last two seasons,” Luai said.
“We’ve laid some strong foundations together. I look forward to seeing this group continue to grow and bring success to the Wests Tigers,’’ he said.
Luai was contracted through until the end of 2027.
However, his PNG move in 2028 forced the club to discuss an early departure with his management.
The two parties have mutually agreed to his release from the final year of his contract.
In a media release, the Wests Tigers say that Luai has made a significant impact both on and off the field and will be “fondly remembered’’ for his contribution to the club.
Luai made his Wests Tigers debut against the Newcastle Knights in Round 1 last season.
The 29-year-old has gone onto make 33 appearances for the club so far.
“Firstly, I want to thank Jarome for his maturity during these discussions and his team first mentality,” Marshall said.
“We’ve got some great young halves here at the club and we need to provide them with the best chance to grow and develop as players, which means we need to give them opportunities to test themselves at NRL level.
“With Jarome leaving at the end of next season, it was going to prove a challenge for us to do that, and he didn’t want to stand in the way of young players getting their opportunity and the overall journey of this group.
“This agreement is testament to Jarome and his commitment to this group, that he’s willing to step aside to ensure our club is in the best position possible over the next few years.
“We want to wish Jarome and his family well with the next chapter of his career.”
