CONFLICTING REPORTS ON JAROME LUAI'S POTENTIAL MOVE TO TIGERS
Jarome Luai during the Toa Samoas homecoming parade last year in Samoa (Photo: Eyespy Radio Samoa)
In a saga that has captured the attention of NRL enthusiasts, conflicting reports have emerged regarding Jarome Luai's rumored departure from the Penrith Panthers to join the Wests Tigers on a lucrative five-year, $6 million deal. Speculation reached a fever pitch when reports surfaced on Saturday morning, asserting that the premiership-winning five-eighth had inked a deal with the Tigers.
However, Luai took to social media to quash the rumors, posting on Instagram beneath an NRL on Nine graphic, stating, "No pen to paper here. I'll let yous know when a deal is done." This contradicts earlier reports from reputable sources like SMH, which claimed that the Tigers had secured Luai's services. Adding to the complexity, The Daily Telegraph suggested that the Canterbury Bulldogs are still in the running, along with a third unnamed club, for Luai's coveted signature.
The Telegraph also reported that Luai has informed his coach, Ivan Cleary, and teammates about his intention to leave Penrith at the end of the upcoming season. This revelation aligns with footage shown on Channel Nine, where Luai reportedly informed his teammates of his decision. Despite the conflicting reports, the Tigers remain the frontrunners with their $1.2 million per year offer, trumping the Panthers' two-year extension proposal worth $850,000 annually.
The new free agent signing rules, implemented in the latest Collective Bargaining Agreement, grant the Panthers a 10-day window to persuade Luai to stay. However, indications suggest that the talented playmaker may be leaning towards a move, creating a sense of uncertainty for Penrith fans.
For Tigers supporters, the prospect of securing Luai's services is a ray of hope in an otherwise challenging period. The team has endured consecutive wooden spoons and recently witnessed a complete overhaul of its leadership, including the dismissal of the entire board. Interim Tigers CEO Shane Richardson expressed unwavering support for Luai, emphasizing his belief in the player's talent and leadership qualities.
If Luai does make the move to the Tigers, it is anticipated that the team's new recruit, Jayden Sullivan, will transition to the halfback position in 2025, alongside veteran Aidan Sezer for the upcoming 2024 season. As the drama unfolds, NRL fans eagerly await official confirmation to settle the debate surrounding Jarome Luai's future in the league.