Gallen warns clubs against signing Luai as left-field option emerges

Paul Gallen has warned clubs against signing the PNG-bound Jarome Luai for 2027, declaring they would be opening their doors to the Chiefs′ “No.1 recruitment officer”.

But Allana Ferguson believes the premiership-winning playmaker would be a smart signing for any club looking to better support their emerging halves and bolster their leadership qualities.

Wests Tigers confirmed on Saturday that Luai would be leaving at the end of this season, after sending shockwaves through the rugby league world by telling him he was free to find a new home a year before his move to PNG.

Where the 29-year-old spends his gap year remains to be seen – but Parramatta appear to be closing in on his signature.

It’s likely that regardless of where he lands for 2027, the Tigers will have to subsidise some of the $1.2 million owed to him.

“I’m a big fan of Jarome Luai as a player, and I think he’s a great person off the field as well, and he has a lot that he can contribute to a club,” Ferguson, the former Jillaroos and Blues star, said on Nine’s 100% Footy on Monday night.

“He can certainly help the younger halves coming through, he has some great leadership qualities that will help a club for 12 months.

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“It’s obviously not what most clubs are after, but there will be a place for him. I think he’ll do a great job wherever he ends up.”

Gallen clapped back, asking: “Would you want him there?“.

To which Ferguson replied: “Why would you not want Jarome Luai to help a young half coming through?“.

In Gallen’s mind, there’s no doubt Luai would spend his one year in transit trying to sell the PNG dream to his 2027 teammates.

“He’s going to be the No.1 recruitment officer for the PNG Chiefs,” said the former Sharks and Blues captain.

“I love him, absolutely great player, I’m with you.

“But he’s definitely, without a doubt, going to be their biggest recruitment officer. Without a doubt.

“And I can’t blame him for that. If I’m going to the PNG Chiefs, I want to get the best team possible there with me. So why wouldn’t you be talking to every single person in the changing room? Why wouldn’t you? I can’t imagine he wouldn’t be.”

Young playmaker Jonah Pezet will leave Parramatta for Brisbane at season’s end.

The Eels have a couple of promising young halves in their system in Lincoln Fletcher and Lorenzo Talataina, but it’s understood they are not quite ready for first grade.

Signing Luai for 2027 would buy Parramatta another 12 months to prepare Fletcher and Talataina for the big time.

Luai would reunite with Mitchell Moses – his halves partner in the NSW Blues’ successful 2024 State of Origin series – if he lobs at the Eels.

It’s been reported Parramatta would pay about $700,000 for his services, but club legend Nathan Hindmarsh is staunchly against the idea.

“You look at Parramatta at the moment. Will they be premiership contenders next year with Jarome Luai?” Hindmarsh said on Triple M over the weekend.

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“At the moment, they are improving slowly - they’ve got some great young talent coming through.

“I don’t think Jarome will make the difference... (Luai and Mitchell Moses) is a great halves combination. I’m just saying surely you’re not going to be spending $700,000 on a halfback that is going to be there for one year. A gap year.

“I would not be wasting $700,000 or more on a half that is going to be there for a year if you’re not going to be at the grand final or thereabouts. I think the money can be spent elsewhere on long-term (options).”

The Perth Bears, who will enter the NRL next season, have also been floated as a one-year option for Luai before he joins the Chiefs, while Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh told News Corp this week he would welcome Luai into the 15-man code for one year.