‘What do you think?’: Luai fires back in testy presser
Wests Tigers captain Jarome Luai has bitten back at reporters in a testy press conference on Thursday morning.
Speaking to media for the first time since confirmation he would play for Parramatta in 2027 on a one-year deal before joining the PNG Chiefs for 2028, Luai was asked how he would reflect on his two years at the Tigers.
Jarome Luai speaking to media after his move to the Parramatta Eels from Wests Tigers was confirmed. Nine
“How would you reflect?” he responded.
The journalist then said that nobody cared what he thought, to which Luai tongue-in-cheek replied, “I care”.
When pushed further if he believed he had made a positive impact at Concord, Luai was cryptic.
“I think people are quick to point the finger and sometimes quick to forget,” he said.
“But I’ve enjoyed my time, bro, and I think I’ve grown in a lot of ways that people haven’t seen.
“We’re not getting wooden spoons here any more, so that’s a tick in that box. These last couple of months, I just want to put my best foot forward and have some fun with the lads.”
Before taking questions, Luai started with a short statement that he wasn’t facing media to “justify anything or to explain myself”, but was there to “show support to the club and the decision they’ve made”.
Luai was expected to remain at the Tigers next year before joining the Chiefs as a foundation player for 2028.
But the joint venture elected instead to release Luai just two years into what was originally a five-year deal, which led him across town to the Eels.
The 29-year-old on Thursday admitted it was “a shock” to be released him from his contract, but was “at peace” with the club’s decision.
“It was a bit of a shock, I’ll be honest with you. But as a player, our game at this level is a business and the faster the athlete is able to comprehend that, the better understanding they have of where and why these decisions are made,” he said.
Luai will leave the club just two years into what was originally a five-year deal. Getty Images
“I’m fully supportive of the club in that, knowing there’s some potential in these guys here and especially in the halves. Without opportunity, those guys can’t prosper, and the last thing I wanted to be was a roadblock for another man’s success.
“I’m at peace. I understand where the decision came from, and I’m here to support this that decision and support my coach.”
The club’s decision to let Luai walk triggered rumours his relationship with coach Benji Marshall had broken down. Marshall on Tuesday declared the rumours “absolutely bullshit”.
When asked himself, Luai said he had the “utmost respect” for Marshall, and they “were not going to let a business decision get in the way of our relationship”.
“He’s been real transparent with me, and we’ve been able to have tough conversations. I think that’s why I respect him so much,” Luai added.
That said, Luai conceded it “took a bit of time” to process news he would be released.
“I think it’s human to feel an emotion and then slowly process it and understand why things happen. I’m a man, just like you, bro,” he said.
“I’m not going to lie, it did take a bit of time to process, but we’re all on board now and the thing I want to be is at my best for the remaining time I’m here.
“I’m not holding any grudges. My main thing now is just adapt, move on, and I want to enjoy my footy. That’s when I’m at my best.”
