July 16, 2026 — 8:51amWests Tigers captain Jarome Luai is speaking for the first time since signing with the Parramatta Eels for the 2027 season.Luai has been released from the final year of his contract with the Tigers, and he will now spend an interim year at Parramatta before he heads to Papua New Guinea to lead new franchise the Chiefs in 2028.Coach Benji Marshall fronted the media on Tuesday to discuss the decision to move their captain on, and denied there was a breakdown in their relationship and said the decision to part ways was made with the team’s long-term future in mind.It means Luai will play for three different clubs across three years following a period of stability early in his career where he debuted for the Panthers in 2018 before winning four premierships with them from 2021 to 2024.Parramatta coach Jason Ryles said the decision to sign Luai was part of a long-term strategy, rather than a “sugar hit”.“The opportunity to sign Jarome came up and the thought process behind that was that Jarome’s record speaks for itself – he’s a winner,” Ryles said.“Culturally, we see him as a good fit, and he gives us an opportunity to win now, but then also give our younger halves more time to develop – that’s with his tutelage.More to come.Dan Walsh is a sports reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via X or email.Adrian Proszenko is the Chief Rugby League Reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via X or email.From our partners