Wests Tigers star Jarome Luai has sparked fresh speculation about his future, sending a cryptic message to club bosses amid fears he could activate a get-out clause to leave at the end of next NRL season.
After winning four NRL premierships with the Penrith Panthers, Luai signed a five-year deal with the Wests Tigers reportedly worth more than $1 million per season.
However, as first reported by Code Sports, only the first two years of the deal are guaranteed, with player options allowing Luai to opt out of the contract in each of the final three seasons.
With NRL player transfer rules allowing stars to negotiate with rival clubs a year before their current contracts expire, Luai can technically become a free agent on November 1.
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The 27-year-old playmaker has previously stated his commitment to the Tigers and his intention to honour his contract.
Speaking to news.com.au before departing for New Zealand to captain Samoa in the Pacific Championships, Luai addressed questions about his deal, appearing to subtly put pressure on the Tigers to meet his expectations.
“My future is sealed already. I look forward to honouring that,” Luai said.
He added:
“Maybe every year you’ll be asking me the same thing. But as long as they do right by me and my family, they will have nothing to worry about.”
The Tigers could look to follow the example set by the Parramatta Eels, who successfully negotiated with halfback Mitchell Moses to remove similar get-out clauses from his long-term deal through to 2028.
Such a move would give the club more stability and prevent ongoing speculation around Luai’s future.
With Api Koroisau signed until 2028 and emerging stars Sunia Turuva and Jahream Bula seen as long-term cornerstones of the roster, the Tigers are eager for Luai to help guide the team up the ladder during his tenure.
According to Code Sports, Luai’s contract situation could make him a target for rival NRL clubs, as well as the new rebel rugby competition R360, which is reportedly eyeing several Samoan internationals including Payne Haas and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
Luai will captain Samoa alongside teammates Brian To’o, Blaize Talagi, Josh Papali’i, and Payne Haas when the Pacific Championships kick off this weekend.