Jarome Luai has agreed to play next season at the Eels following his dramatic split from the Tigers.
It is understood Luai will have a one year stint at Parramatta before taking up his rich deal to join PNG in 2028.
Perth had expressed an interest in landing Luai but he was reluctant to move his family before relocating to PNG. The Bears had dangled the prospect of potentially more money for Luai but instead he will partner with Mitchell Moses in the halves as the Eels look to end their finals drought.
The Tigers will have to chip in about $500,000 of Luai’s contract for him to play at Parramatta.
It means Luai’s first game for the Eels could be in Las Vegas when his new club takes on the Titans to kick-start the NRL season.
Rugby Australia also intimated they would be open to securing Luai for one-year but that was always considered a long-shot.
The Eels had limited success with Jonah Pezet’s gap year before he joins the Broncos next season. However, Luai is a different proposition.
The four-time premiership winner has played three Origin games with Moses with two wins including the 2024 game three decider.
The 29-year-old will always arrive with a point to prove after an indifferent two year stint at the Tigers.
The Eels have two young halves in Lincoln Fletcher and Lorenzo Talataina with Luai’s short-term deal ensuring their paths are not blocked to becoming regular NRL players.
Volkman’s agent told rival clubs last week that he would not be at the Eels and was open to offers to remain in the NRL despite strong interest from the Super League.
Replies
Setting the clock on you turning sour on Luai to the Eels, Chiefy. Tick tock tick tock
Let's hope they put together the right contract. There should be clauses in there that say he is not allowed to approach players about PNG.
You're joking, right? No contract in the world can cover that - and you can bet your house on him doing it. That's why the Tigers kicked him out. That and the drama.
Jack Howarth on the radio now
What did he say ?
Not much, but he sings beautifully.
😂
Great signing for Mark Bradbury . Credit where it's due , he pounced on the opportunity.
let's just hope that Moses and Luai don't go too well and we lose them both to Origin in 2027 lol
Bradbury
that's gold wiz
I think both should be made to put club first not origin personally 🤔
especially " mr invisible " Moses
Woolies guy still needs a few more to save him from becoming the trolly boy
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