‘Win-win for us’: Eels coach defends controversial Luai move
Eels coach Jason Ryles has defended the club’s decision to sign Jarome Luai for next season, despite criticism of the stop-gap contract.
Luai will join the PNG Chiefs for their inaugural 2028 season, but was granted a release by the Wests Tigers to join their cross-town rivals for 2027.
Jarome Luai. Getty Images
It came as a surprise to many when Parramatta brought the experienced five-eighth into the fold, where he will partner Mitchell Moses next year.
But speaking to media on Wednesday, Ryles said Luai’s arrival would help the club long-term, with some talented young players waiting in the background and getting an extra season to hone their craft.
“When a player like Jarome comes up, with the age of our spine and to give Mitchell a hand going forward, help us win now and prepare our next crew ... we see that as the best option for our footy club,” Ryles said.
“We have got younger players coming through our pathways that may be ready in 12 months, but this gives them an extra bit of time to get their reps in [NSW] Cup and learn off a true pro that’s won a lot of premierships.
“I see it as a win-win for us. People will have their opinions on what we’ve done, but this is what I see is best for us going forward.”
Luai’s signing comes after the Eels also brought Jonah Pezet to the club on a one-year deal for this season, before the young halfback moves to Brisbane.
The most notable player who will bide his time behind Luai is teenage playmaker Lorenzo Talaitana, who has enormous raps within the Eels’ four walls.
The 19-year-old is signed for another two years with Parramatta and has already become a permanent fixture at reserve-grade level, despite his age.
Ryles also said the Luai decision shouldn’t upset the playing group, given they sit 15th on the NRL table and have struggled for results.
“We’re sitting in a spot on the ladder where we don’t want to be ... we need more experienced players and Jarome fits that bill,” the second-year coach said.
“He brings a lot of experience to our spine, he’s a competitor. All the background we’ve done on him, he’s very big on his training standards and extras. It will be great for our younger guys to see that and watch it in action first-hand.”
