How is having to lodge some documents any drama?And a stitch up for Parra. 2027. Haha
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How is having to lodge some documents any drama?And a stitch up for Parra. 2027. Haha
But good politics. We need PNG to be our friend---long term.The PNG team is an absolute disgrace and pure politics. There is no way in hell they should have a team
So according to this guy, who had a crack at being a shock jock on 4BC only to get the boot after failing dreadfully at it, Benji should call a press conference the moment any bogus rumour hits the fan.a lovely SMH article this morning
There’s no Sweet Caroline at the Wests Tigers, the team still looking for a home
Neil Breen
July 17, 2026 — 5:22am
Sweet Caroline is a fan favourite at sporting events around the globe.
The Neil Diamond classic from 1969 is universally known, upbeat, and easy for the crowd to sing along to. For many fans, it’s a great way to get the party started.
The Wests Tigers, though, align more with one of Diamond’s lesser-known and more introspective songs, the broody 1970 hit I Am, I Said.
What’s that song about? Well, it’s about Diamond himself. Brooklyn born-and-raised, he loved New York City with a passion. But, to grow his musical career, he moved to the showbiz capital of the world – Los Angeles – “palm trees grow, and rents are low ... and the feeling is lay back”.
That sounds ideal, but he goes on to explain: “I’m New York City born and raised and nowadays, I’m lost between two shores … LA’s fine, but it ain’t home, New York’s home, but it ain’t mine no more”.
Within those words lies the same existential crisis that engulfs the Wests Tigers.
They are a club with so many homes it doesn’t know which way is up, or which master to serve.
Take a drive down Parramatta Road beyond Five Dock and have a look at Concord Oval on the right-hand side outbound.
Once a decaying old rugby union facility is now a rugby league Taj Mahal. The lavishly named Zurich Centre is the predominantly taxpayer-funded centre of excellence for the Wests Tigers.
It has it all – a high-performance gym, which unfortunately has produced only average performances, a hot-and-cold plunge room which at least mirrors the team’s patchy form, a theatre where the mounting losses can be reviewed over and even a “sleep room” which is handy for coaches who routinely need a Bex and a good lie down.
There’s an education and wellness hub, which is basically a glorified family home “media room” where tired parents send kids to overdose on video games. There are even some plush strapping chairs because who wants to sit in an average chair when the ankles are taped.
Then we have the pool, sauna and steam room. You get the picture.
While Concord is their training base, it’s not their home, as such.
Neither is Leichhardt Oval, where anywhere between two and six home games have been played each year for decades. It’s the spiritual home of the Balmain half of the joint venture. And, of course, they’ll be away from there while that venue is upgraded during the 2027 season.
About 50km and two million or so residents away is Campbelltown Sports Stadium, the home of Wests’ half. While it’s the home, it’s not the spiritual home of Wests.
That lies 40km away back towards town at the old Lidcombe Oval, where Tommy Raudonikis and teammates slapped each other in the sheds, and Roy Masters sent his band of “fibros,” including John “Dallas” Donnelly, into battle breathing fire.
They also play home games at CommBank Stadium, better known as the home of the Eels.
The Tigers play there to service the corporates, apparently. But during home games you could fire a cannon through those areas and not hit anyone. That isn’t the case at Eels home games.
Financially, the Holman Barnes Group controls the club’s purse strings. It runs the mega-rich, poker machine and electronic roulette-laden Wests Ashfield Club, as well as Croydon Sports Club and Markets Club at Homebush.
Balmain Leagues Club in Rozelle has been closed since 2010, meaning the Balmain side has been at the financial mercy of the Wests side for far too long.
If you take out the St George Illawarra Dragons, which faced similar geographical and philosophical challenges post-merger, all other Sydney clubs have clearly defined areas, giving them a clear sense of belonging and purpose.
The Roosters in the east, Souths adjacent to them along the coast and southern city areas, the Sharks in the Shire, the Bulldogs in Canterbury-Bankstown, Manly on the northern beaches and Parramatta and Penrith in their locales.
It could be argued that in the professional sporting era, teams should be able to function anywhere, but it’s not that simple.
This game is tribal, and history shows split tribes don’t fare well.
Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall did what Benji normally does on Tuesday when he blamed the media for spreading rumours about a fall-out between himself and Jarome Luai in the aftermath of the news they asked him to leave at season’s end.
Luai, signed to provide the heartbeat that would drag them up from well below mediocrity, will soon be gone just two years into a five-year deal. Yet, somehow the media were the bad guys.
Marshall would be better served to look inside the many walls of the lavish Zurich Centre instead.
News broke last Thursday the club would pay up to $500,000 of ex-saviour Luai’s salary in 2027 to have him play anywhere else, and no-one at the club addressed their own fans until Marshall spoke.
From that news until Marshall’s media conference on Tuesday was five days. That’s four and a half days too long. What did he and the club expect? Everyone to just say “oh well, they’re getting rid of the guy who was going to save us. So what?”
It doesn’t work like that. Then, when Luai’s dad liked a post from Triple M suggesting there was a fallout between his son and Marshall, was everybody supposed to ignore it
a lovely SMH article this morning
There’s no Sweet Caroline at the Wests Tigers, the team still looking for a home
Neil Breen
July 17, 2026 — 5:22am
Sweet Caroline is a fan favourite at sporting events around the globe.
The Neil Diamond classic from 1969 is universally known, upbeat, and easy for the crowd to sing along to. For many fans, it’s a great way to get the party started.
The Wests Tigers, though, align more with one of Diamond’s lesser-known and more introspective songs, the broody 1970 hit I Am, I Said.
What’s that song about? Well, it’s about Diamond himself. Brooklyn born-and-raised, he loved New York City with a passion. But, to grow his musical career, he moved to the showbiz capital of the world – Los Angeles – “palm trees grow, and rents are low ... and the feeling is lay back”.
That sounds ideal, but he goes on to explain: “I’m New York City born and raised and nowadays, I’m lost between two shores … LA’s fine, but it ain’t home, New York’s home, but it ain’t mine no more”.
Within those words lies the same existential crisis that engulfs the Wests Tigers.
They are a club with so many homes it doesn’t know which way is up, or which master to serve.
Take a drive down Parramatta Road beyond Five Dock and have a look at Concord Oval on the right-hand side outbound.
Once a decaying old rugby union facility is now a rugby league Taj Mahal. The lavishly named Zurich Centre is the predominantly taxpayer-funded centre of excellence for the Wests Tigers.
It has it all – a high-performance gym, which unfortunately has produced only average performances, a hot-and-cold plunge room which at least mirrors the team’s patchy form, a theatre where the mounting losses can be reviewed over and even a “sleep room” which is handy for coaches who routinely need a Bex and a good lie down.
There’s an education and wellness hub, which is basically a glorified family home “media room” where tired parents send kids to overdose on video games. There are even some plush strapping chairs because who wants to sit in an average chair when the ankles are taped.
Then we have the pool, sauna and steam room. You get the picture.
While Concord is their training base, it’s not their home, as such.
Neither is Leichhardt Oval, where anywhere between two and six home games have been played each year for decades. It’s the spiritual home of the Balmain half of the joint venture. And, of course, they’ll be away from there while that venue is upgraded during the 2027 season.
About 50km and two million or so residents away is Campbelltown Sports Stadium, the home of Wests’ half. While it’s the home, it’s not the spiritual home of Wests.
That lies 40km away back towards town at the old Lidcombe Oval, where Tommy Raudonikis and teammates slapped each other in the sheds, and Roy Masters sent his band of “fibros,” including John “Dallas” Donnelly, into battle breathing fire.
They also play home games at CommBank Stadium, better known as the home of the Eels.
The Tigers play there to service the corporates, apparently. But during home games you could fire a cannon through those areas and not hit anyone. That isn’t the case at Eels home games.
Financially, the Holman Barnes Group controls the club’s purse strings. It runs the mega-rich, poker machine and electronic roulette-laden Wests Ashfield Club, as well as Croydon Sports Club and Markets Club at Homebush.
Balmain Leagues Club in Rozelle has been closed since 2010, meaning the Balmain side has been at the financial mercy of the Wests side for far too long.
If you take out the St George Illawarra Dragons, which faced similar geographical and philosophical challenges post-merger, all other Sydney clubs have clearly defined areas, giving them a clear sense of belonging and purpose.
The Roosters in the east, Souths adjacent to them along the coast and southern city areas, the Sharks in the Shire, the Bulldogs in Canterbury-Bankstown, Manly on the northern beaches and Parramatta and Penrith in their locales.
It could be argued that in the professional sporting era, teams should be able to function anywhere, but it’s not that simple.
This game is tribal, and history shows split tribes don’t fare well.
Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall did what Benji normally does on Tuesday when he blamed the media for spreading rumours about a fall-out between himself and Jarome Luai in the aftermath of the news they asked him to leave at season’s end.
Luai, signed to provide the heartbeat that would drag them up from well below mediocrity, will soon be gone just two years into a five-year deal. Yet, somehow the media were the bad guys.
Marshall would be better served to look inside the many walls of the lavish Zurich Centre instead.
News broke last Thursday the club would pay up to $500,000 of ex-saviour Luai’s salary in 2027 to have him play anywhere else, and no-one at the club addressed their own fans until Marshall spoke.
From that news until Marshall’s media conference on Tuesday was five days. That’s four and a half days too long. What did he and the club expect? Everyone to just say “oh well, they’re getting rid of the guy who was going to save us. So what?”
It doesn’t work like that. Then, when Luai’s dad liked a post from Triple M suggesting there was a fallout between his son and Marshall, was everybody supposed to ignore it?
The mismanagement of their captain and star player’s exit summed up the club and speaks of management dysfunction.
Luai was supposed to lead Tigers back to the finals. He’s leaving after 18 months. What went wrong?
New full-time CEO Shaun “I’ve never failed” Mielekamp would probably want to revisit how this was handled for future reference, unless he wants his self-proclaimed success rate as a CEO to go the way of everything else at the club. That direction is south, and fast.
They haven’t made the finals since 2011 and will miss them again this season after a promising start. Even the Titans made it to September in 2021.
If Benji wants to make a proper go of coaching after 21 wins and 38 losses so far, the club needs to work out exactly who they are and who they represent.
It has to stop being a transit lounge and find a way to instil a sense of purpose and belonging. That’s not an easy task when you are the nomads of the competition.
With governments of all levels funding redevelopments at Leichhardt and Campbelltown, they will roam the west forever.
At least taxpayers have been able to share in the misery. It’s their money which built every venue the club inhabits, despite how many people arrive on buses to play the pokies at Wests Ashfield.
I think it’s the fact that Luai is spreading himself between the tigers and PNG, while playing for the tigers. We get no benefit from him taking regular work trips to PNG.How is having to lodge some documents any drama?
You have to examine who is who at the zoo. Cutting Luai loose was not part of the scriptWhat crappy article, click bait for sure, dope.
We have a settled home ground set up, that most are happy with.
The main problem is lack of funds compared to other clubs
Post the linkHas anyone read/has access to the Matt Johns article on how Marshall's handling of the Luai issue prevented a player exodus to PNG? I always suspected when an article appeared yesterday which said the TPA matter was the major issue, meaning it is not the only one. The inclusion of PNG has caused WTs some issues it seems.
They went into the contract aware of it. When the tigers entered a contract with luai this wasnt on the radar..And a stitch up for Parra. 2027. Haha
Love how he fails to mention the taxpayer funding for Allianz and Bankest and any other teams Centre of excellence as though WT are the only recipient - scumbag article by someone who obviously WT have upset.Can't really disagree with the points but the bit of extra venom probably not needed.
Post the link
The drive by on Mielekamp who’s new in the role was completely unnecessary tooLove how he fails to mention the taxpayer funding for Allianz and Bankest and any other teams Centre of excellence as though WT are the only recipient - scumbag article by someone who obviously WT have upset.
Thank you for posting this article Died Pretty.atty Johns: How Benji Marshall’s handling of Jarome Luai saga stopped a PNG exodus at Tigers
There are a number of reasons why the Tigers’ Jarome Luai call was a smart one – but for Benji Marshall it solidified his integrity as a coach and his standing among the players, writes MATTY JOHNS.
Matthew Johns
4 min read
July 17, 2026 - 5:00AM
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...71524183b769b8f2b2f0ac4dae593963?amp#comments
Video-link![]()
NRL: Jarome Luai has set the record straight regarding his current relationship with Benji Marshall and had a message when asked to reflect on his time at the Tigers.
That’s the problem with relationships, particularly ones which start hot and heavy: they most often fall apart, and most often it involves a third party.
A new acquaintance enters one’s realm, turns one’s head, and suddenly makes the current look a little less interesting, less adventurous.
That’s the way I think Dr Phil would explain the Jarome Luai-West Tigers break-up.
It was a relationship which, despite those lurking clauses, looked set for the long haul.
Earlier this season, you could see the way Jarome’s swagger and confidence were bleeding into the rest of the side.
But then that pesky new team with all that tax-free money started flirting with their No.6 and ruined everything.
You can’t blame the Chiefs. They weren’t around when the clauses were placed in Luai’s contract, and PNG are in the business of assembling a roster capable of snaring a premiership fast, Melbourne Storm style, and they have the means to do it.
![]()
Jarome Luai speaks to the media after being let go from Wests Tigers for 2027 NRL season. Picture: Sam Ruttyn
But the collapse of the Tigers’ season, and the winning of only two of their last 10 matches since Jarome’s PNG announcement, is not a coincidence. Yes, injuries have played a part, but even coach Benji Marshall conceded he’s allowed it to become a distraction.
The decision to allow Jarome out of his final year before joining PNG is a smart one. They can’t afford to lose another crop of young stars, but, boy, kicking in $500,000 to strengthen a western Sydney arrival must hurt like hell.
Jarome Luai was shocked by the Wests Tigers' decision to cut ties with the half at the end of the 2026 season, and says he won't get in the way of the young crop if that's the direction Benji Marshall wants to go in.
My information was the Tigers were only willing to go so far as $300,000, but in the end they had little choice. A backflip on a decision to let him leave was never going to happen.
Another reason why releasing Jarome is the smart move is his standing in the team, particularly among the younger members. His charisma and their admiration for him could’ve easily seen a couple follow him out the door.
![]()
It's not a coincidence the Tigers' season has collapsed after the Luai announcement. Picture: NRL Photos
But the decision is also a good one for Marshall and his integrity as a coach.
At the start of the year, Marshall warned his players, “at the Wests Tigers we f***** now stand for something and if you’re not prepared to follow what we stand for, guess what, there’s the f***ing door”.
These statements are powerful in theory, but only tested when applied to a star player.
Benji hasn’t so much shown Jarome the f***ing door, but shown him in which direction it is.
Benji’s strength and standing among his players has just grown.
The question, has Jarome’s time at the Tigers been a success? It’s a complex one to answer.
On the field, a bit like how Jarome plays his football, they’ve had bursts of form, explosions of great moments.
![]()
Benji Marshall and Jarome Luai. Picture: NRL Photos
The team looks better, but results don’t really show that, so no, it hasn’t been what they’d hoped for.
But I would say, as far as changing the perception of the club and their ability to recruit, it has worked.
And he’s helped the players improve individually. Alongside Jarome, Samuela Fainu is on his way to becoming one of the game’s premier back-rowers, and Adam Doueihi is playing the best football of his career by far, displaying some of Jarome’s confidence, swagger and unorthodox creativity.
Overall, he’s left the Tigers a better club than he found it and will be warmly welcomed back on reunion days.
![]()
Jarome Luai can walk away from the Tigers as a successful signing. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
So now to Parramatta, where the Eels bring in another playmaker on a one-year deal.
I like this move more than the Jonah Pezet experiment. Jonah was entering a young team with still a lot to learn, and he was in exactly the same position: looking to learn, not ready to teach.
Injuries have prevented Jonah from making any real impact, but I didn’t believe he was quite ready to anyway.
With Jarome, it’s completely different. His experience, talent and charisma will impact this team greatly, and he walks into a scenario which suits him perfectly.
Jarome isn’t a seven. It’s been proven, and he’s admitted to it. This is a forewarning to PNG: they need to sign an experienced, quality halfback and, if the rumours are to be believed, there’s a possibility he might be reunited with one.
At the Eels, Mitchell Moses is that centrepiece playmaker he wants and needs.
![]()
Mitchell Moses and Jarome Luai played together for NSW in 2024. Picture: NRL Imagery
He completes a formidable spine capable of seeing this young team surge up the ladder.
Isaiah Iongi is a superstar, trust me. He just needs this type of quality spine around him and a clear run without injury, while Tallyn De Silva is a young dummy-half who’s been showing glimpses of his capabilities, and next year expect consistency to complete that puzzle.
On top of that, the Eels have some young playmakers, led by Lorenzo Talataina and Lincoln Fletcher, who are showing great promise for a big future. They just need time and some quality mentoring. I’d hope Jarome will take on that role with enthusiasm.
Yes, it’s only a year, but Parramatta’s next young crop of stars can’t get too used to losing. It’s a virus which enters an athlete’s bones and has no simple cure.
Too many times in the last two years, the commentary at the end of an 80-minute Eels performance has been, “Another wholehearted effort from the young Eels, but …”
Luai can help change that.b
All those natural resources...GDP per capita of $2,700.But good politics. We need PNG to be our friend---long term.
I am not a subscriber. diedpretty has now posted it.Post the link
Who has the WTs upset over the last week or two? Did Benji upset the script?Love how he fails to mention the taxpayer funding for Allianz and Bankest and any other teams Centre of excellence as though WT are the only recipient - scumbag article by someone who obviously WT have upset.
Completely agree. But its hardly costing the NRL so why not do it.The PNG team is an absolute disgrace and pure politics. There is no way in hell they should have a team
If a quarter of his salary is 100k, then that would make his full salary 400k.??? 100k spare cap plus 100k Luke L money sounds right to me iie. 200k salary . Considering the nrl minimum wage is 150k .
Don't know - but its a bit more than the usual media pile on - seems a lot more personal.Who has the WTs upset over the last week or two? Did Benji upset the script?
atty Johns: How Benji Marshall’s handling of Jarome Luai saga stopped a PNG exodus at Tigers
There are a number of reasons why the Tigers’ Jarome Luai call was a smart one – but for Benji Marshall it solidified his integrity as a coach and his standing among the players, writes MATTY JOHNS.
Matthew Johns
4 min read
July 17, 2026 - 5:00AM
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...71524183b769b8f2b2f0ac4dae593963?amp#comments
Video-link![]()
NRL: Jarome Luai has set the record straight regarding his current relationship with Benji Marshall and had a message when asked to reflect on his time at the Tigers.
That’s the problem with relationships, particularly ones which start hot and heavy: they most often fall apart, and most often it involves a third party.
A new acquaintance enters one’s realm, turns one’s head, and suddenly makes the current look a little less interesting, less adventurous.
That’s the way I think Dr Phil would explain the Jarome Luai-West Tigers break-up.
It was a relationship which, despite those lurking clauses, looked set for the long haul.
Earlier this season, you could see the way Jarome’s swagger and confidence were bleeding into the rest of the side.
But then that pesky new team with all that tax-free money started flirting with their No.6 and ruined everything.
You can’t blame the Chiefs. They weren’t around when the clauses were placed in Luai’s contract, and PNG are in the business of assembling a roster capable of snaring a premiership fast, Melbourne Storm style, and they have the means to do it.
![]()
Jarome Luai speaks to the media after being let go from Wests Tigers for 2027 NRL season. Picture: Sam Ruttyn
But the collapse of the Tigers’ season, and the winning of only two of their last 10 matches since Jarome’s PNG announcement, is not a coincidence. Yes, injuries have played a part, but even coach Benji Marshall conceded he’s allowed it to become a distraction.
The decision to allow Jarome out of his final year before joining PNG is a smart one. They can’t afford to lose another crop of young stars, but, boy, kicking in $500,000 to strengthen a western Sydney arrival must hurt like hell.
Jarome Luai was shocked by the Wests Tigers' decision to cut ties with the half at the end of the 2026 season, and says he won't get in the way of the young crop if that's the direction Benji Marshall wants to go in.
My information was the Tigers were only willing to go so far as $300,000, but in the end they had little choice. A backflip on a decision to let him leave was never going to happen.
Another reason why releasing Jarome is the smart move is his standing in the team, particularly among the younger members. His charisma and their admiration for him could’ve easily seen a couple follow him out the door.
![]()
It's not a coincidence the Tigers' season has collapsed after the Luai announcement. Picture: NRL Photos
But the decision is also a good one for Marshall and his integrity as a coach.
At the start of the year, Marshall warned his players, “at the Wests Tigers we f***** now stand for something and if you’re not prepared to follow what we stand for, guess what, there’s the f***ing door”.
These statements are powerful in theory, but only tested when applied to a star player.
Benji hasn’t so much shown Jarome the f***ing door, but shown him in which direction it is.
Benji’s strength and standing among his players has just grown.
The question, has Jarome’s time at the Tigers been a success? It’s a complex one to answer.
On the field, a bit like how Jarome plays his football, they’ve had bursts of form, explosions of great moments.
![]()
Benji Marshall and Jarome Luai. Picture: NRL Photos
The team looks better, but results don’t really show that, so no, it hasn’t been what they’d hoped for.
But I would say, as far as changing the perception of the club and their ability to recruit, it has worked.
And he’s helped the players improve individually. Alongside Jarome, Samuela Fainu is on his way to becoming one of the game’s premier back-rowers, and Adam Doueihi is playing the best football of his career by far, displaying some of Jarome’s confidence, swagger and unorthodox creativity.
Overall, he’s left the Tigers a better club than he found it and will be warmly welcomed back on reunion days.
![]()
Jarome Luai can walk away from the Tigers as a successful signing. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
So now to Parramatta, where the Eels bring in another playmaker on a one-year deal.
I like this move more than the Jonah Pezet experiment. Jonah was entering a young team with still a lot to learn, and he was in exactly the same position: looking to learn, not ready to teach.
Injuries have prevented Jonah from making any real impact, but I didn’t believe he was quite ready to anyway.
With Jarome, it’s completely different. His experience, talent and charisma will impact this team greatly, and he walks into a scenario which suits him perfectly.
Jarome isn’t a seven. It’s been proven, and he’s admitted to it. This is a forewarning to PNG: they need to sign an experienced, quality halfback and, if the rumours are to be believed, there’s a possibility he might be reunited with one.
At the Eels, Mitchell Moses is that centrepiece playmaker he wants and needs.
![]()
Mitchell Moses and Jarome Luai played together for NSW in 2024. Picture: NRL Imagery
He completes a formidable spine capable of seeing this young team surge up the ladder.
Isaiah Iongi is a superstar, trust me. He just needs this type of quality spine around him and a clear run without injury, while Tallyn De Silva is a young dummy-half who’s been showing glimpses of his capabilities, and next year expect consistency to complete that puzzle.
On top of that, the Eels have some young playmakers, led by Lorenzo Talataina and Lincoln Fletcher, who are showing great promise for a big future. They just need time and some quality mentoring. I’d hope Jarome will take on that role with enthusiasm.
Yes, it’s only a year, but Parramatta’s next young crop of stars can’t get too used to losing. It’s a virus which enters an athlete’s bones and has no simple cure.
Too many times in the last two years, the commentary at the end of an 80-minute Eels performance has been, “Another wholehearted effort from the young Eels, but …”
Luai can help change that.b
Why ??But good politics. We need PNG to be our friend---long term.