TRADE UPDATE: Wests tigers reportedly keen in welcoming in a 5 star winger with a five years contract.
Wests Tigers have secured the acquisition of Penrith Panthers player Jarome Luai on a five-year contract starting in 2025.
The three-time NRL Grand Final winner will play for the Panthers in 2024 before joining the Tigers in 2025.
Luai has played 107 games for Penrith since his NRL debut in 2018. He has represented Samoa in the last two World Cups and has appeared in seven State of Origin games for New South Wales.
Luai has played 107 games for Penrith since his NRL debut in 2018. He has represented Samoa in the last two World Cups and has appeared in seven State of Origin games for New South Wales.
“We are super excited to announce the signing of Jarome for the 2025 season on a five-year deal,” Tigers coach Benji Marshall stated of the signing of Luai.
“His experience as a genuine Premiership-winning playmaker will be invaluable to us and our club’s future.”
“We love the way Jarome plays football, and he’s also a great person.”
“We very much look forward to welcoming Jarome and his family to our club in 2025, but right now, season 2024 is our focus.”
The Penrith Panthers have issued a statement regarding Jarome Luai’s transfer to the Wests Tigers.
Luai notified Panthers officials and players of his desire to leave at the end of the 2024 season, and the club waived his 10-day cooling off period.
Although Penrith is disappointed to lose one of their key players, the club’respects’ Luai’s decision to join the Tigers.
“We acknowledge that the situation is exacerbated by salary cap capacity due to the club’s recent success,” Panthers CEO Matt Cameron stated.
“Jarome is recovering from shoulder surgery he had in October, and his rehabilitation to return for the upcoming season is the club’s top priority.”
“As the club has shown in previous years, despite agreeing to terms with another NRL club for future seasons, we look forward to Jarome remaining at the Panthers for the 2024 season as we prepare not only for the World Club Challenge against Wigan Warriors, but also another premiership defence.”
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