Jarome Luai has fronted his own press conference to confirm his departure from Penrith, after signing a five-year deal with the Wests Tigers.
The Panthers playmaker has been one of the main stories of the off-season with the three-time premiership winner embracing the fervor around his future by fronting the media to announce his move.
Jarome Luai press conference: Penrith Panthers star confirms move to Wests Tigers
The circus around Luai's contract decision has rolled on all summer with reports linking him to both the Bulldogs and Tigers, as the Panthers struggled to keep their star-studded roster intact.
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"As publicly stated previously, the club believes that as a three-time premiership player and international representative, Jarome has earnt the right to explore the open market and although the club is disappointed by the outcome, it respects Jarome’s choice," Penrith stated in a club statement.
Last week, tension appeared to have developed between the playmaker and Penrith during the process as his absence at training became a hot topic of discussion.
However, the 26-year-old has now brought an end to speculation after taking a page out of LeBron James' book with his infamous televised announcement called 'The Decision', where he announce his move from Cleveland to Miami Heat over a decade ago.
"I've definitely gotten a lot more attention than what we would have liked these past few months," Luai told the media at his press conference.
"The purpose of this was to clear everything up and get everything out of the way out of respect and courtesy for the year ahead for my team and my teammates in 2024.
"So, without further ado, for 2025 I’ll be heading to the Wests Tigers to continue my career."
Jarome Luai contract: Five-eighth makes Wests Tigers switch on long-term deal
"Wests Tigers is delighted to announce the signing of star five-eighth Jarome Luai on a five-year deal," the club confirmed in a brief statement.
Luai will link up with rookie coach Benji Marshall who will attempt to reverse the fortunes of the wooden spooners.
"We are super excited to announce the signing of Jarome for the 2025 season on a five-year deal," Marshall said.
"His experience as a genuine premiership-winning playmaker will be great for us and the future of our club.
"We love the way Jarome plays his footy and even better, he is a great person.
"We very much look forward to welcoming Jarome and his family to our club in 2025, but right now, season 2024 is our focus."
The five-eighth highlighted his relationship with the Tigers legend as a key factor in his decision to leave the Panthers.
"I’ve had a great connection with Benji," Luai said.
"We’ve spoken about the future and what he sees in me and moving forward, and I’m really excited about it.
"The obvious reason was it was a great opportunity for me to provide and create for my family, and also to create for myself."
