NRL 2025: Jarome Luai and Api Koroisau to share Wests Tigers captaincy

Jarome Luai could be one of the biggest signings in Wests Tigers history - and he’s just been handed the power to make that happen.

It’s up to Jarome Luai in more ways than one.

The Wests Tigers on Wednesday announced the four-time premiership winner as one of the club’s captains for 2025, alongside veteran star Api Koroisau.

As a star half with Origin and premiership experience, and now the club captaincy, Luai could be one of the most important signings in Wests Tigers history.

Luai, who was named captain of Samoa ahead of last year’s tour of the UK, has quickly gained respect as the club’s highest profile recruit for 2025.

And the latest leadership nod could make him a long-term captaincy option should he enact a series of player options to see out his rich five-year contract.

Big news out of Leichhardt- Campbelltown with a new and an old face named as Top cats. My toon for @WestsTigers captaincy news @telegraph_sport#jaromeluai#apikoroisa#weststigerspic.twitter.com/2bljAG7A7L

— Scott Bailey (@BooBaileyTele) January 22, 2025

New recruit Jarome Luai will co-captain Wests Tigers in 2025. Picture: Richard Dobson

It’s a lot of pressure on the 28-year-old as the Tigers attempt to make their way from the bottom of the NRL ladder after three consecutive wooden spoons.

“Being named captain of the Wests Tigers with Api is an honour I don’t take lightly,” Luai said on Wednesday.

“Api has set an incredible standard as a leader, and I’m excited to work alongside him again and contribute to building something special here.

“I am grateful to the coaching staff for giving me this opportunity and I want to make my family, the team, our members and sponsors proud.”

Wednesday’s captaincy appointment unites the former Penrith pair, who won the 2021 and 2022 NRL titles together before Koroisau joined the Tigers for the 2023 season.

He has been captain for the past two years, which have been among the most difficult for the Tigers as a club.

However, hopes are building at Concord ahead of 2025.

Luai’s influence has quickly raised excitement levels after he recently claimed the club would have broken a long-held finals drought in 2024 if he would have been in the side.

Although he’s primarily been a five-eighth throughout his career, he’s expected to wear the No.7 jersey and partner whiz kid Lachie Galvin in the halves.

Luai’s infectious confidence, plus fellow new recruits Terrell May (Roosters) and Sunia Turuva (Panthers) have further strengthened the squad.

The recently assembled independent board has also brought hopes of a stable future for the club after years of political infighting dogged any progress for the merged franchise.

Having finally named his captains, second-year coach Benji Marshall can begin planning for success.

“Api has been a phenomenal leader for this club over the past two years, and his respect within the team is second to none,” Marshall said.

“Adding Jarome’s passion and creativity to our leadership structure makes this partnership really exciting.

“Together, they bring a balance of stability and flair that will drive our team forward in 2025.”

Originally published as NRL 2025: Jarome Luai and Api Koroisau to share Wests Tigers captaincy