Wests Tigers just announced that they have signed young five-eighth Jarome Luai to a five-year contract, potentially leading to a significant Super League transfer.
After this $6 million trade is done, the Penrith Panthers will be in the market for a halfback, and they may look to the Super League.
Luai is a significant coup for the Tigers. The three-time Premiership-winning playmaker will join the team at the end of next season. Luai has appeared in 107 games for the Panthers, making his debut in 2018 and remaining with the organization for the past six seasons. The 26-year-old has played an important role in Penrith’s three consecutive grand final victories over the last three years and has also represented New
Wests Tigers just announced that they have signed young five-eighth Jarome Luai to a five-year contract, potentially leading to a significant Super League transfer.
After this $6 million trade is done, the Penrith Panthers will be in the market for a halfback, and they may look to the Super League.
Luai is a significant coup for the Tigers. The three-time Premiership-winning playmaker will join the team at the end of next season. Luai has appeared in 107 games for the Panthers, making his debut in 2018 and remaining with the organization for the past six seasons. The 26-year-old has played an important role in Penrith’s three consecutive grand final victories over the last three years and has also represented New
“We very much look forward to welcoming Jarome and his family to our club in 2025, but right now, season 2024 is our focus.”
After losing Luai before of the 2025 NRL season, Penrith is looking for a new halfback. They have possibilities at the club, such as former Hull KR and Canberra Raiders halfback Brad Schneider, and they may look into what’s available in the Super League.
Top of their list will most likely be Lewis Dodd, who defeated them in the World Club Challenge last year with a Golden Point Drop Goal.
Dodd is out of contract at the end of the year. He has the option to extend his contract with the club until 2026, and sources say that the Saints are preparing to offer him a deal similar to Jack Welsby’s.
Another option is experienced NRL halfback Josh Drinkwater, who has also played in the Super League for Catalans Dragons and Warrington Wolves. Could a return to Australia be in the cards?
Lachlan Lam, a Leigh Leopards player, has recently been a top target for NRL clubs. The halfback signed a new contract until 2025 following interest from the Canberra Raiders, but Penrith could try to buy him out of it if they have the funds.
This is where things become tough since players like George Williams, Mikey Lewis, and Brodie Croft are all signed to long-term contracts. Penrith could move for them, but it would be extremely challenging.
