Jarome Luai’s PNG Visit Sparks Concerns for Wests Tigers
Jarome Luai’s recent trip to Papua New Guinea has sparked a wave of public interest and speculation about his future, with former NRL star Billy Slater warning that the situation could “unsettle” the Wests Tigers during their crucial premiership campaign.
Luai, co-captain of the Tigers, was seen in PNG exploring the possibility of signing with the Chiefs, who are set to become the 19th team in the National Rugby League (NRL) in 2028. This move comes as Luai is currently under contract with the Tigers until April 30, but he needs to sign with PNG for 2028 if he wants to take advantage of his free agency.
Slater, a legendary Storm fullback, acknowledges the financial incentives that come with playing in PNG. He explained that players can potentially double their salary due to the tax-free nature of the deals. “I don’t have a problem with it. With the attraction of tax-free money, you’re basically doubling your salary,” Slater said on The Billy Slater Podcast.
He also highlighted the appeal of being part of a new franchise. “To create success over in Papua New Guinea would be an experience of a lifetime. The support that they’re gonna get from their local people is gonna be next level, and that would be attractive to some people.”
However, Slater warned that Luai’s exploration of this opportunity could disrupt the harmony within the Tigers. “The one thing that you’ve gotta be careful of is it could unsettle what is happening at the Tigers right now, and Jarome Luai is the captain of the Tigers. That’s the one thing that has the potential to unsettle [the Tigers], is just that harmony and that togetherness of that footy club and footy team at the moment, because they’re onto something special.”
Slater emphasized the importance of communication between Luai and his teammates. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Jarome Luai stands up in front of the group and has a conversation with his teammates and just says, ‘This is where I’m at, I’m all in here at the moment and I’m potentially gonna stay here, but I’d be not doing my family the due diligence if I didn’t go and look and explore.'”
Despite the potential risks, Slater remains uncertain about whether Luai will leave the Tigers. “I don’t know if he [Luai] would leave the Tigers. He’s gone there, he’s gone through a few tough years and now they’re starting to see the growth of the club, and he’s been a part of that. So he may not go.”
The Tigers, who have not won a premiership since 2005 and have struggled in recent years, are currently in strong form under coach Benji Marshall. After eight rounds, the team sits third on the ladder with five wins and two losses.
Luai has been instrumental in this resurgence, showcasing his skills as the Tigers’ five-eighth. His performance against the Raiders last Thursday night was particularly impressive, with two line break assists and a try setup.
As the Tigers prepare to face the Sharks at Ocean Protect Stadium, the focus remains on maintaining their momentum. However, the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Luai’s future could cast a shadow over their efforts.
Slater added that the public nature of Luai’s visit to PNG could lead to “a few question marks” around the team. “It may not, but that is the risk in and around going and doing this and the public being aware of it now.”
With the NRL expanding to include the Perth Bears in 2027 and the Chiefs in 2028, the league is entering an exciting phase. For the Tigers, the challenge lies in balancing ambition with stability, ensuring that any potential disruptions do not derail their premiership hopes.
