Wests Tigers release Jarome Luai, set to join Eels 2027

The Wests Tigers have confirmed star five-eighth Jarome Luai will depart the club at the end of the 2026 NRL season, a year earlier than his contract initially stipulated. The club announced on Saturday, July 11, that the co-captain had been released from the final year of his deal by mutual agreement.

The decision accelerates a planned exit that was set in motion in April when Luai signed a landmark contract to become the inaugural marquee player for the Papua New Guinea Chiefs, who will enter the NRL in 2028. He is now expected to join the Parramatta Eels for a single season in 2027 as a bridging move before his commitment to the expansion franchise begins.

Tigers coach Benji Marshall stated the early release was motivated by a desire to develop the club's emerging young halves, including 21-year-old Latu Fainu, who is seen as a long-term playmaking prospect. Marshall thanked Luai for his maturity and team-first mentality during the discussions, acknowledging that his continued presence would have limited opportunities for other players. Luai, who joined the Tigers from Penrith ahead of the 2025 season, expressed gratitude for his time at the club and said his focus remains on...