LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In a stunning twist that has sent shockwaves through the rugby league world, Jarome Luai's $6 million contract with the Wests Tigers may not be as set in stone as originally thought.
The Sydney Morning Herald has reported that only two years of the five-year deal are guaranteed, with the remaining three years left as 'player options' - a move that former Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe was reportedly against.
The revelation means that Luai could potentially leave the Tigers after the 2026 season if he chooses to exercise his player options.
This situation mirrors the contract clauses of Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown at the Parramatta Eels, highlighting a growing trend in NRL player contracts.
New Tigers boss Shane Richardson signed off on Luai's unique contract structure, a decision that has left Panthers fans hoping for a quick return of their star player.
While the allure of the money at the Tigers may be strong, the possibility of Luai returning to Penrith is still very much on the table.
It's a high-stakes game of contract negotiations and player loyalty, but one thing is for certain - the rugby league world will be eagerly watching to see how this saga unfolds.