NRL Report Good news for West Tigers: He is back..

Jarome Luai formally announces his 2025 NRL season switch to the Wests Tigers.

The reason behind Jarome Luai’s 2025 switch from NRL powerhouse Penrith to perennial underdogs Wests Tigers was the opportunity to finally be handed “the keys to the team.”

The most significant trade drama of the NRL off-season concluded on Wednesday with the announcement of Penrith’s triple premiership-winning five-eighth’s future plans.

After it became clear that the high-flying Panthers would not be able to match their offer of a seven-figure salary, Luai was linked to the Tigers and Canterbury for months. Confirming his move to the back-to-back wooden spooners on a five-year deal, Luai said the call had not been solely motivated by money.

“People think it would just be [money]; but it was getting the keys to the team, that was the other motivation,” he said. The Panthers fought to retain Luai, who is unproven as an organizing half in the NRL.

However, Nathan Cleary’s longtime deputy claimed that after managing Samoa’s run to the 2022 World Cup final, he had developed a hunger for greater authority.

He remarked, “I’ve yearned for that ever since.” “Writing my own story and being my own guy was another major component of [the move].” I’m eager.

The Tigers, who have missed the playoffs for the past 12 years, have struggled to draw in elite talent. Luai’s signing is a huge coup for the team.

Luai had also given serious thought to joining the Bulldogs, a team that includes players Stephen Crichton, Viliame Kikau, and Matt Burton, as well as coach Cameron Ciraldo, all of whom are Penrith graduates.

That explains why the procedure has taken so long. That was a difficult choice, he remarked.

“It’s already full of brothers, and Cam Ciraldo is like a second father to me.”

Benji Marshall, the Tigers coach, who was a similarly flamboyant five-eighth in his playing days and Luai’s childhood hero, had an impact on the playmaker’s choices.

Luai remarked, “I’ve had a great connection with Benji.” “I’ll start at the top and work my way down to the bottom based on some headlines I’ve seen.”

It spoke to me because, wherever I travel, I always believe in my own ability to succeed. I’m definitely looking forward to it and the challenge.