'Ready for the challenge': Why Jarome Luai 'can't wait' for next chapter without star halves partner Nathan Cleary

Jarome Luai may have had Nathan Cleary by his side for over a decade, but the new Wests Tigers recruit is not afraid of life without his superstar halfback.

A seven-year journey with Penrith's first-grade team, Luai made the decision to part ways with his junior club in pursuit of a new adventure with a rival team.

The four-time premiership winner came through the ranks with Cleary in Penrith, where the pair became one of the most successful partnerships in the competition.

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While many await to see how his time without Cleary unfolds, Luai insists he is ready for the challenge of a new partnership with Lachlan Galvin.

"Can't wait," Luai responded when asked about life without Cleary by his side.

"I'm ready for it. I'm ready for the challenge.

"People want to see how I do on my own and I love a challenge. If anybody knows me, (they know) I'm up for it.

"A lot of people want to see me fail. Once again, it's Romey against the world so I can't wait for that.

"I'm ready for this new chapter."

Having struggled to lift off the bottom of the ladder in recent years, the 27-year-old remains hopeful he can help the Tigers trade the wooden spoon for a premiership.

"I'm setting myself (up) first for finals," he said.

"Just (want to) turn this team around and come out with a ring after 2025."

Luai is no stranger to making such bold comments but he also is not a player willing to backtrack on his previous statements.

"If you talk the talk, you've gotta walk the walk," the five-eighth said.

"Whenever I say something, I'm saying it with full confidence. I will always back myself in that sense.

"I mean business and I'm going to live by my word."

Luai's five-year deal was not as simple as it first seemed, with news of several hidden contract clauses coming to light in recent weeks.

The most alarming for Tigers fans included the option to part ways with the club as early as 2027, courtesy of a player option clause.

The star playmaker dismissed suggestions that the clause could likely come into effect and see him hit the market as a free agent by the end of next season.

"I think it seemed a bit scary the way it came out," Luai said.

"And it being me in my first year at the times... but everyone has clauses in their contract somewhere.

"Have no fear, I'm here for the long run. I'm here to turn this club around.

Luai's time in Penrith may have came to an end after seven years but his time in the black and orange could be longer.

"Ten years," he said. when asked how long he will stay.