Bizarre $100k twist in Luai’s exit from Tigers
Updated . First published
Jarome Luai will be short an estimated six-figure sum next season after agreeing to depart the Wests Tigers earlier than originally expected.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the star playmaker’s move to the Eels will see him pocket $1.1 million in total, paid by the two clubs.
Jarome Luai seen in action against the Bulldogs Getty Images
Parramatta will chip in approximately $600,000 while their western Sydney rivals will fork out $500,000 of his original $1.2 million contract.
The difference won’t be made up, which Luai has reportedly agreed to.
The NRL would normally push back if clubs attempted to lodge a contract worth less than the existing one, but are expected to let the Luai deal slide given the $1.1 million pricetag is a fair reflection of the Samoan international’s market value.
Luai originally signed a five-year deal with the Tigers, but clauses allowed him to sign with the PNG Chiefs for their inaugural 2028 campaign.
His current club then decided to part ways with Luai for 2027 and will go into next year with the likes of Adam Douehi, Jock Madden, Latu Fainu and Javon Andrews battling it out for spots in the halves in Benji Marshall’s side.
The joint venture copped a demoralising 32-0 loss to the Bulldogs on Saturday night, dashing their slim finals hopes in the process.
Marshall has denied that Luai’s impending exit has played a role in the Tigers sliding down the ladder in the second-half of the season.
