The Parramatta Eels have emerged as the frontrunners to acquire Jarome Luai's signature after a surprising move by the Wests Tigers, allowing the premiership-winning playmaker to negotiate with other clubs.
Initially, Luai had signed a lucrative five-year contract with the Tigers ahead of the 2025 season, which included a player option for each subsequent year following the first two. This provision gave him the opportunity to transfer to the PNG Chiefs for their inaugural season in 2028.
This shocking news, first reported by Code Sports on Thursday, surfaced despite Luai having an additional season left on his Tigers contract.
As a result, Luai is anticipated to spend only two seasons at Concord prior to a temporary transition in 2027 before making his long-desired move to Papua New Guinea.
Code Sports indicates that Parramatta has quickly been viewed as the leading candidate to secure the NSW Blues star on a one-year contract.
While the Perth Bears have shown interest, it seems that Luai favors staying in Sydney to keep his young family settled, placing the Eels in a prime position.
A transfer to Parramatta would echo the arrangement made with Jonah Pezet this season, where the young halfback joined the team before later heading to the Brisbane Broncos. Still, the outcome has not been entirely successful, as Pezet has struggled to secure a consistent first-grade spot and connect with Mitchell Moses.
For Parramatta, Luai's signing would reunite one of the most effective State of Origin pairings in recent history.
Luai and Moses have maintained a flawless record for the NSW Blues, winning all three matches they've started together, including the memorable 2024 Suncorp decider.