Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall has taken a strong stance against rumors that his relationship with star five-eighth Jarome Luai has "fractured," labeling them "absolutely bulls***" and "made-up."
This was Marshall's first media appearance since the club announced last Saturday that Luai would be leaving the team at the end of the season.
Initially set to join the PNG Chiefs in 2028 as their marquee player, Luai's departure from the Tigers has been moved up a year, with the Parramatta Eels now seen as a likely destination for him in 2027.
This unexpected decision has sparked speculation about a possible rift between the four-time premiership winner and his coach, with rumors intensifying due to social media posts by Luai's father.
Despite the swirling rumors, Marshall firmly dismissed any idea of a "relationship breakdown" between him and Jarome.