Jarome Luai has confirmed his commitment to the Wests Tigers, indicating he plans to fulfil his five-year contract with the National Rugby League (NRL) club. The announcement comes as Luai, who is under contract until the end of 2029, faces speculation regarding his future, particularly due to a clause in his contract that allows him to leave at the end of next season.
Luai’s current contract includes an option for him to activate the final three years by the end of April next year. However, he will be a free agent starting this November, allowing rival clubs to approach him. Despite the Tigers’ struggles this season, which have left them out of finals contention, Luai expressed a strong desire to remain with the team.
Positive Signs Amid Challenges
Under Luai’s leadership, the Tigers have shown signs of improvement, achieving their highest win total in four seasons. Additionally, captain Apisai Koroisau recently extended his contract until 2028, which Luai suggested could influence his decision to stay. When asked if Koroisau’s re-signing would play a role in his future, Luai replied confidently, “I’m staying. Don’t worry.” He further joked, “For life,” when pressed about the duration of his commitment.
Luai clarified that although the clause allowing him to leave remains, he is focused on the long-term goal of turning the club around. “It’s not gone, but when things get hard, people are expecting you to change,” he said. “I’m not that type of guy. I’m here for the long run.”
Upcoming Match and Rivalry
This weekend, the Tigers will face off against Lachlan Galvin, a former teammate who recently left for the Canterbury Bulldogs. Luai stated that he has not communicated with Galvin since his departure, emphasizing his focus on the current squad. Nonetheless, he anticipates that Galvin will receive a mixed response from Tigers fans at CommBank Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
“I’ve been on the receiving end many times,” Luai noted. “For me it’s fun. You know, that’s the game of rugby league. It’s a fan-driven game, so you’ve got to expect that. Good luck to Lachy.”
Galvin recently delivered an impressive performance in his new role with the Bulldogs, helping secure a 42-4 victory over Manly. Luai acknowledged the need for the Tigers to limit the impact of both Galvin and fellow half Matt Burton, who have shown significant chemistry on the field.
“That’s a talking point for us every week,” Luai explained. “In particular, Burto, their left edge, they’ve been scoring a lot of points. I think it was one of Burto’s best games that he played on the weekend.” He added, “We need to be on defensively.”
As the season progresses, Luai’s dedication to the Wests Tigers could be a pivotal factor in the club’s efforts to build a competitive team and reclaim its standing in the NRL. With a blend of determination and optimism, Luai is set to play a crucial role in the Tigers’ future.
