Tigers tell Luai he can move on as shock contract twist emerges

Jarome Luai’s time at the Wests Tigers appears set to end even sooner than expected, with the club reportedly wanting to release the star playmaker at the end of the season despite him still having a year remaining on his contract.

The surprise development would force Luai to explore a one-year deal elsewhere before linking with the PNG Chiefs for their inaugural NRL campaign in 2028.

According to CODE Sports reports, the Tigers recently informed the four-time premiership winner that they would not stand in his way if he secured another opportunity for next season and would be fine for him to move on from Concord sooner rather than later.

The decision is reported to be driven by the club’s desire to create salary cap flexibility as they work to retain a number of emerging stars, including the highly rated Fainu brothers.

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Luai only arrived at the Tigers ahead of the 2025 season after departing Penrith, initially signing what was believed to be a long-term five-year deal before clauses in the contract later emerged.

Earlier this year, the NSW State of Origin star exercised an option to remain at the Tigers for 2027 before subsequently committing to the PNG franchise from 2028, although that extra season in Sydney now appears increasingly unlikely.

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Should his release be finalised, Luai would instantly become one of the biggest names available on the open market, with rival clubs expected to weigh up the chance to secure one of the game’s elite five-eighths on a short-term deal.

The option to do so is likely to be most appealing to the competition’s premiership heavyweights, with current top-eight teams such as the Warriors, Sea Eagles and Rabbitohs all looking like clubs that could benefit from adding a playmaker of his quality.

Luai already has a strong relationship with Warriors coach Andrew Webster, which could attract discussion, while a Panthers reunion would surely become a rumoured destination if Penrith could find the salary cap space.

It will make for an intriguing twist in the player market, with a name of Luai’s credentials rarely becoming available, but the unusual challenge for any potential suitor is knowing they would only be investing in a one-season commitment before he moves on to PNG.

The Tigers have already moved aggressively to secure the long-term futures of several young talents as they continue reshaping their roster under coach Benji Marshall, making Luai’s departure a move that could benefit both parties if a suitor emerges.

For a signing that promised to transform the Tigers’ fortunes, Luai’s time at the club now appears likely to end after just two seasons, with the impact yet to deliver the immediate results many had hoped for.

Tigers tell Luai he can move on as shock contract twist emerges

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