Wests Tigers enter race for Panthers player.

Wests Tigers are said to be looking to play for one of the game’s best five-eighths in three-time Penrith Panthers winner Jarome Luai.
Luai, the New South Wales and Samoa representative with three premiership rings for the Panthers, is out of contract at the end of 2024 and is expected to be one of the most competitive signings on the market free agency school.
All players whose contracts expire at the end of 2024 can negotiate with opponents from November

The reports come after Panthers coach Ivan Cleary issued a warning to rival clubs on Wednesday, suggesting Jarome Luai has yet to show he can play as a playmaker creating number one play at NRL level.
“I think that’s the most important thing at stake here.
If a club wants to (pay) the money we’re talking about, they could consider leaving, but it would have to be for that type of role,” Cleary said.
“There’s no question mark.
Can he do that?
I’m sure he can do it.
Did he do it (again)?
No, he didn’t.
He did that against Samoa in last year’s World Cup.
Generally in this team, he has his role and it’s a little bit different.
“I guess that’s a risk everyone would have to take.
” With the Panthers under huge salary cap pressure, Luai could very well leave the club for a higher salary.
According to News Corp, one club interested in his services would be Wests Tigers.
Next up are comments from News Corp journalist Michael Carayannis on the Daily Telegraph podcast.
Carayannis revealed that Luai was fond of Tigers head coach Benji Marshall when he was younger and the club could look to exploit that connection.
“The Tigers have concerns,” Carayannis said.
“There are some interesting quotes from Jarome that he idolized Benji Marshall.
Benji is the star player he really admires.
Journalist Brent Read followed Carayannis saying the two had become close after playing together for the Maori All-Stars a few years ago.
“They know each other, they were roommates and were teammates on the Maori All Stars two or three years ago,” Read said.
“That’s when Jarome made those quotes.
He said he has loved Benji since he was five years old when he saw Benji in the Finals in 2005.
“He grew up with a Tigers towel that he used to dry himself off every day.
It’s a touching story.
It is understood that the Canterbury Bulldogs are also looking to sign Jarome Luai for the 2025 season.
This would see him join former Panthers assistant coach Cameron Ciraldo and former club-mates Stephen Crichton, Jaeman Salmon, Villiame Kikau and Matt Burton.