The Wests Tigers can confirm that Jarome Luai will depart the Club at the conclusion of the 2026 NRL season.
Luai – originally contracted through until the end of 2027 – and the Club have mutually agreed to his release from the final year of his contract.
The decision comes following extensive discussions between Luai, his management and the Wests Tigers.
Earlier this year, Luai activated a clause in his contract and informed the Club of his intention to depart at the end of 2027.
Luai has made a significant impact both on and off the field and will be fondly remembered for his contribution to the Club.
The Samoan international departs with the best wishes of the staff, playing squad and management of the Wests Tigers, having played a critical role in the Club’s rise since his arrival.
Making his debut against the Newcastle Knights in Round 1, 2025 – becoming WT #295 – the 29-year-old has gone onto make 33 appearances for the Club.
Wests Tigers CEO, Shaun Mielekamp thanked Luai for his contribution to the Club.
“I’d really like to thank Jarome and his management for their approach to these discussions in recent months and their recognition of what’s best for both parties moving forward,” Mielekamp said.
“We love what Jarome has brought to this Club – both on and off the field – which is the difficult part of this situation, but we need to look to the future. Having Jarome’s departure at the end of 2027 already confirmed, we needed to look closely at our roster and where we invest our resources with a longer-term view.
“We’re in an industry where difficult calls need to be made at times, and we feel this is in the best interests of the Wests Tigers moving forward.
We’re grateful for what Jarome has brought to our Club and wish him and his family the very best for their future – they will always be part of the Wests Tigers family.
Shaun Mielekamp CEO
Wests Tigers NRL Head Coach, Benji Marshall said this decision gave the Club clarity moving forward.
“Firstly, I want to thank Jarome for his maturity during these discussions and his team first mentality,” Marshall said.
“We’ve got some great young halves here at the Club and we need to provide them with the best chance to grow and develop as players, which means we need to give them opportunities to test themselves at NRL level.
“With Jarome leaving at the end of next season, it was going to prove a challenge for us to do that, and he didn’t want to stand in the way of young players getting their opportunity and the overall journey of this group.
This agreement is testament to Jarome and his commitment to this group, that he’s willing to step aside to ensure our Club is in the best position possible over the next few years.
Benji Marshall NRL Head Coach
“We want to wish Jarome and his family well with the next chapter of his career.”
On the announcement of his departure at season’s end, Luai thanked the Club for their support.
“I’m grateful to everyone involved with the Club for everything over the last two seasons,” Luai said.
“Shaun, Benji, the coaches, the staff and my brothers out on the field. We’ve laid some strong foundations together. I look forward to seeing this group continue to grow and bring success to the Wests Tigers.
“The focus now is on my game and helping this group finish the season strongly.”
