2 days ago
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Wests Tigers co-captain Jarome Luai is speaking for the first time since agreeing to join the NRL’s expansion franchise PNG Chiefs on what is expected to be a three-year deal from 2028.
Luai informed his teammates of his decision at training on Tuesday morning after visiting the Pacific nation over the weekend.
The signature of the playmaker, a four-time premiership winner with Penrith, is a huge coup for the Chiefs, giving them a marquee player they can build their roster around.
Tigers coach Benji Marshall will also join Luai at his Wednesday morning press conference, and as the club confirmed their skipper has activated a 2027 option before joining the Chiefs the following year, said Luai has “already left an indelible mark” on the club.
“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.
“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.”
More to come.
