‘Toughest decision of my life’: Luai makes $6m Tigers move official as Panthers answer big question
Jarome Luai has confirmed he will move to the Wests Tigers on a five-year deal, putting an end to months of speculaton surrounding his future.
The Penrith star revealed the news in a press conference in Darling Harbour after the Panthers reportedly waived the 10-day cooling off period.
Luai described the call to leave the Panthers as “probably the toughest decision of my career and probably life so far.”
“(It’s) definitely gotten a lot more attention than what we would have liked these past few months,” he added.
“The purpose of this was to clear everything up and get everything out of the way out of respect and courtesy for the year ahead for my team and my teammates in 2024…
“So without further ado, for 2025 I’ll be heading to the Wests Tigers to continue my career.
“The obvious reason was it was a great opportunity for me to provide and create for my family, and also to create for myself.
“I’ve had a great connection with Benji (Marshall), we’ve spoken about the future and what he sees in me and moving forward. I’m really excited about it.”
Although not confirmed by the player or club themselves, Luai’s five-year deal with the Tigers is estimated to be worth a staggering $6 million.
Luai told the press conference the chance to provide for his family was a big factor in the decision but also admitted he was motivated by the chance to step out of the shadow of Penrith’s many superstars and lead a team himself as a marquee star.
“It (to lead a team) is motivating,” Luai said. “I think anyone saying ill about me motivates me. I’ve always had the edge and that chip on my shoulder”.
Luai’s father Martin added: “He’s always been a born leader and he’s reality excited about the opportunity to lead a team and I think it’s up to him to prove it to all those doubters”.
The deal represents a major coup for Wests Tigers head coach Marshall ahead of his rookie season as an NRL boss.
And Marshall cannot wait to get to work with his prized recruit, even if he has to wait one year.
“His experience as a genuine premiership-winning playmaker will be great for us and the future of our club,” Marshall said in a statement.
“We love the way Jarome plays his footy and even better, he is 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 Panthers’ decision to waive the 10-day cooling off period proved to be crucial in hurrying along Luai’s official decison.
Under the new contracting rules in the CBA, there is a 10-day cooling off period after a player receives an offer they’d be willing to accept from another club.
That gives the player’s former club the chance to negotiate and potentially up their offer if they would like. Those 10 days also gives the player the option to change his mind if he wants to.
That period, which began on December 16, came and went without any confirmation of a move from Luai.
On Tuesday, however, the Sydney Morning Herald reported that the Panthers, who tabled a three-year deal worth $2.5 million, waived their right to the cooling off period.
There had been speculation Luai could leave the club early but the Panthers answered that question in a statement on Wednesday afternoon.
“Penrith Panthers can confirm that Jarome Luai will depart the club at the end of the 2024 season,” the statement said.
“Luai informed Panthers staff and players about his intention to depart the club following the 2024 season and the club has waived the 10-day cooling off period.
“As publicly stated previously, the club believes that as a three-time premiership player and international representative, Jarome has earnt the right to explore the open market and although the club is disappointed by the outcome, it respects Jarome’s choice.
Panthers CEO Matt Cameron explained that salary cap pressure forced their hand
“We acknowledge that the situation is compounded by salary cap capacity due to the club’s recent success,” Panthers Rugby League CEO n said.
“Jarome is in the process of recovering from shoulder surgery that he underwent in October and his rehabilitation to return for the upcoming season is the club’s major 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.”
The Tigers were the most prominent team mentioned in the Luai sweepstakes, as were the Canterbury Bulldogs.
But Luai’s manager Wok Wright made the surprising revelation there were several other teams vying for the three-time premiership winner’s services.
“Obviously there’s some clubs that have been documented that have been right in there and there’s been some clubs who it hasn’t come about that have shown real interest as well,” Wright said.
Luai added: “Ever since I’ve come to market there’s been a lot of interest and it’s been a great learning curve.”