Why Wests Tigers recruit Jarome Luai ‘can’t wait’ to step out of the shadow of NRL superstar Nathan Cleary
- Jarome Luai signed a five-year contract with Tigers
- Made his first-year debut with Panthers in 2018
- Won four premierships with Nathan Cleary
- Luai wants the opportunity to lead his own team
The chance to step out of Nathan Cleary’s shadow is one of the main reasons Jarome Luai signed for the Wests Tigers – and now the playmaker is eager to show fans he’s just as talented as the NRL superstar halfback.
Luai, 27, will always be grateful to the Panthers for giving him a chance in the first grade, but after four consecutive premierships and five grand finals it was time for a new challenge.
His partner in 2025 will be youngster Lachlan Galvin, and the Samoan international is determined to see the Tigers avoid four consecutive wooden spoons as their rebuild under coach Benji Marshall continues.
“I can’t wait,” Luai said when asked about life without Cleary at NRL level.
‘I’m ready. I’m ready for the challenge.
‘People want to see how I do it on my own and I like a challenge. If anyone knows me, (they know) I’m ready.
The chance to step out of Nathan Cleary’s shadow is one of the main reasons why Jarome Luai signed for the Wests Tigers
Luai and Cleary first played footy together as teenagers at Penrith before going on to dominate the NRL (pictured, after winning the 2024 grand final)
‘A lot of people want to see me fail. Again, it’s Romey against the world, so I can’t wait for that.
‘I’m ready for this new chapter.’
Luai also firmly believes he can turn the embattled joint venture club into a genuine premiership contender.
“I’m preparing myself for the final,” he said Nine news.
‘If you talk the talk, you have to walk the talk. “I mean business and I’m going to keep my word.”
Luai also allayed Tigers supporters’ fears after it emerged his five-year, $6 million contract contained several clauses that could see him enter the NRL market as a free agent at the end of next season.
“I think it seemed a little scary the way it came out,” Luai said.
‘But everyone has clauses in their contract somewhere. ‘Don’t be afraid, I’m here for the long haul. I’m here to change this club.’
The Tigers open their 2025 NRL campaign when they host the Knights at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on March 7.
Luai will face his former Penrith teammates for the first time in Round 14 action on June 8.