Panthers clear the way for Luai to take up lucrative Tigers deal
January 2, 2024 — 7.54pm
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Penrith have waived the NRL’s new 10-day cooling-off period on Jarome Luai’s future, clearing the way for him to confirm his move to Wests Tigers on a lucrative $6 million, five-year deal.
Luai is due to return to Penrith training this week having told teammates on December 16 that 2024 would be his last season at the club and he would be linking with the Tigers from 2025,
as first revealed by this masthead.
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Panthers' strong stance on Luai release
Jarome Luai is unlikely to get an early release from the Panthers.
Given a contract had not been signed at that point and the Tigers deal was still being finalised, Canterbury remained an outside chance to lure the 26-year-old with their own five-year offer.
The NRL’s new contracting rules allow a player’s incumbent club 10 days’ grace once they signal an intention to sign with a rival outfit, giving Penrith in this instance a chance to counter and try to retain Luai.
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But with Penrith long conceding their own three-year extension worth around $2.5 million could not compete with rival offers, the club has been prepared to waive the cooling-off period.
His move to Concord in 2025 will make him the face of the joint-venture and a likely No.7 for rookie coach Benji Marshall, who
personally led the club’s pursuit of Luai before ex-CEO Justin Pascoe and his successor Shane Richardson steered negotiations.
Panthers players formed a huddle for Jarome Luai at training when he informed them of his decision to leave.CREDIT: CHANNEL NINE
Luai’s expected signing is a coup for Marshall and the beleaguered club after back-to-back wooden spoons
and the front-office upheavalthat saw Pascoe, chairman Lee Hagipantelis and the Tigers board dismissed before Christmas.
Wests Tigers officials were unavailable for comment on Tuesday.
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Luai’s continued rehab from shoulder surgery will still limit his training capabilities when he returns from a fortnight-long break this week.
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But officials expect the five-eighth to return to Panthers HQ on Thursday after
he skipped training during the last week before Christmas, unhappy at the way news of his decision had emerged.
Penrith CEO Brian Fletcher dismissed any suggestion of Luai seeking, or being granted,
an early release for 2024.
“We’re very happy for [Luai], he’s secured a massive contract and a long-term contract which is good, so he’s got the blessing of the club,” Fletcher said late last month.
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“We haven’t released any players before, and under no circumstances will Jarome be going anywhere for 2024. After that, we just wish him and his family all the best.”