- Jarome Luai signed five-year deal with Tigers
- Made first grade debut with Panthers in 2018
- Won four premierships with Nathan Cleary
- Luai wants opportunity to run his own team
The chance to step out of Nathan Cleary’s shadow is one of the chief reasons Jarome Luai signed with the Wests Tigers – and now the playmaker is itching to show fans he is just as talented as the superstar NRL halfback.
Luai, 27, will always be grateful to the Panthers for handing him an opportunity in first grade, but after four successive premierships and five grand finals, it was time for a new challenge.
His halves partner in 2025 will be young gun Lachlan Galvin, and the Samoan international is determined to see the Tigers avoid four successive wooden spoons as their rebuild continues under coach Benji Marshall.
‘Can’t wait,’ Luai said when asked about life without Cleary at NRL level.
‘I’m ready for it. I’m ready for the challenge.
‘People want to see how I do on my own and I love a challenge. If anybody knows me, (they know) I’m up for it.
The chance to step out of Nathan Cleary’s shadow is one of the chief reasons Jarome Luai signed with the Wests Tigers
Luai and Cleary first played footy together as teenagers at Penrith, before going onto dominate the NRL (pictured, after winning the 2024 Grand Final)
‘A lot of people want to see me fail. Once again, it’s Romey against the world so I can’t wait for that.
‘I’m ready for this new chapter.’
Luai also boldly believes he can make the embattled joint venture club a genuine premiership contender.
‘I’m setting myself up first for finals,’ he told Nine News.
‘If you talk the talk, you’ve gotta walk the walk. ‘I mean business and I’m going to live by my word.’
Luai also eased fears of Tigers supporters after it emerged his five-year, $6million contract featured several clauses which could see him enter the NRL market as a free agent by the end of next season.
‘I think it seemed a bit scary the way it came out,’ Luai said.
‘But everyone has clauses in their contract somewhere. ‘Have no fear, I’m here for the long run. I’m here to turn this club around.’
The Tigers open their 2025 NRL campaign when they host the Knights at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on March 7.
Luai will face his former teammates from Penrith for the first time on June 8 in round 14 action.
