Wests Tigers Head Coach Benji Marshall has praised Jarome Luai for the positive impact he has made on the club ahead of the five-eighth’s final appearance on Sunday.
Signed for the 2025 season after winning four premierships at Penrith, Luai was contracted with the Tigers until 2027.
However, both parties agreed in July to part ways after the playmaker activated a release clause in his contract, resulting in Luai becoming part of the PNG Chiefs' inaugural season in 2028.
Luai will leave the Tigers after two seasons to join Parramatta next year before being the Chiefs' marquee man.
Speaking ahead of the team's last game of the season against Penrith, Marshall commended Luai for his achievements at the club and his desire to make a change at the Wests Tigers.
“I’m sure a lot of people probably have their opinions about what he hasn't done here, but all I've seen is the things that he has done here, and the impact that he has had on the club and players he's helped to attract here, what he's brought to the standards and the training,’’ Marshall said.
“I'm sure he would admit himself that he would have liked to contribute more on field performance wise, but all in all, he'll leave here having had an impact on our club.
“And that's a really important memory for him to take away.
“There's no regrets from our side about bringing him here whatsoever because he did the job we needed him to.
“I think day one when Jarome got here, like he made a clear impact on the training standards. He come with a level of professionalism.
“On every rep, he competes on everything and had a real positive impact on a lot of players around him.
“Off the field, what he helped us with is attracting players. That’s probably a big part. His leadership around the place has been second to none.
“I can't really say a bad word about him. There’s obviously a lot of things probably both sides wish went a little bit better, but we are where we are, and we've got to move forward.”
Marshall maintained he has had a fine working relationship with Luai since his public announcement to join the Chiefs.
“I guess one thing about my relationship with my players is that they're always pretty open and honest,’’ Marshall added.
“We have tough conversations, if need be, but I don't judge them or get angry or whatever.
“Understandably, I think anyone in his position would have done the same thing around looking after your family long term and having an impact over there in PNG, so you can't blame him for that.
“Would I have liked it to pan out a bit differently than the way it did? Yeah, sure.
“They’re are all things I've learned probably this year as a coach or what I need to be more understanding of and learn off.
“And if that situation pops up again, I'll be better equipped to be able to handle it.
“I guess that’s coaching and growing and learning. And I'm going through that right now.”
