NRL: Wests Tigers confirm signing of Jarome Luai from Penrith Panthers on five-year contract

Wests Tigers have confirmed the signing of Jarome Luai from the Penrith Panthers, luring the half on a five-year deal from 2025 onwards.

Luai, 26, will play out the 2024 season with Penrith in their attempt to win a fourth successive NRL premiership, before heading west next year.

The signing comes amid a tumultuous time for the Tigers, who had their chief executive and entire board replaced at the end of last year.

But that instability has clearly not deterred Luai, who will earn a reported $1.2 million per season over the course of his contract.

“We are super excited to announce the signing of Jarome for the 2025 season on a five-year deal,” said coach Benji Marshall.

“His experience as a genuine premiership-winning playmaker will be great for us and the future of our club.

“We love the way Jarome plays his footy and even better, he is a great person.”

Since his first-grade debut in 2018, Luai has made 107 appearances for the Panthers, winning three premierships in tandem with halfback Nathan Cleary.

Wests Tigers is delighted to announce the signing of star five-eighth Jarome Luai on a five-year deal.

The three-time premiership-winning playmaker will join the club at the end of next season.

Luai has played 107 games for the Panthers over six seasons, making his NRL debut in 2018.

The 26-year-old has helped Penrith to three consecutive grand final triumphs over the past three years, during which time he made seven State of Origin appearances for New South Wales.

Wests Tigers head coach Benji Marshall believes the addition of Luai will be great for the club.

“We are super excited to announce the signing of Jarome for the 2025 season on a five-year deal,” said Marshall.

“His experience as a genuine premiership-winning playmaker will be great for us and the future of our club.

“We love the way Jarome plays his footy and even better, he is a great person.

“We very much look forward to welcoming Jarome and his family to our club in 2025, but right now, season 2024 is our focus.”

Luai is excited about joining Wests Tigers but wants to focus on his final season at the Panthers.

Luai will make the move to Wests Tigers at the end of next season and reunite with a few of his former Panthers’ teammates Api Koroisau, Brent Naden, and Charlie Staines.