Three-time NRL premiership winner Jarome Luai has denied reports that he has signed a monster deal with the Wests Tigers, taking to social media to dispel reports he had signed.
Sharing NRL on Nine's post to his story on Instagram, Luai wrote "No pen to paper here. I'll let yous know when a deal is done."
This is despite reports from earlier Saturday from SMH's Michael Chammas that Luai had signed a five-year deal worth $6 million.
Chammas doubled down on his reporting in the wake of Luai's post, saying on X (formerly known as Twitter) that the player had informed his teammates he was leaving for the Tigers.
"Jarome Luai this morning told his teammates that he was leaving Penrith. Also told them that he was going to Tigers."
Jarome Luai reportedly signs five-year contract with Wests Tigers
One of the NRL's biggest free agency sagas looked to have drawn to a close this Saturday, when it was reported that three-time premiership winner Jarome Luai had reportedly agreed to a deal with the Wests Tigers.
Luai, 26, was reported to have signed with the Tigers for the next half-decade, for a deal worth $6 million, according to the
The star five-eighth will see out the final year of his deal with the Panthers in 2024, before making the move to Tiger Town for 2025.
The Tigers had been strongly linked to Luai throughout his free agency, with their ability to offer significant money and the presence of NRL great and current head coach Benji Marshall both appealing factors.
With Penrith locking in a core of Nathan Cleary, Isaiah Yeo, Brian To’o, James Fisher-Harris, Dylan Edwards, Moses Leota, and Liam Martin, their offering ability was seriously diminished, and their case certainly wasn't helped by comments made by coach Ivan Cleary, who questioned if Luai had the capabilities to lead a team on his own.
According to Chammas, the Panthers have 10 days to convince Luai to stay with the team, and he also has the right to withdraw from the deal.
