Robert Lui repays Cowboys loyalty by turning down million dollar offer

COWBOY’S halfbackRobert Lui turned his back on a seven-figure to remain at the North Queensland Cowboys.

Robert Lui training ahead of the Cowboys’ opening game of the season. Picture: Zak Simmon

WHO would give up the chance to be a millionaire?

Robert Lui did, and to understand why he turned his back on a seven-figure sum you need to understand his cultural ties and his debt to the Cowboys.

“There is an Islander saying ‘you give to them, and they will give to you’,” said Lui, who like Broncos forward Sam Thaiday is of Torres Strait Islander descent.

Last July, the Warriors tabled a deal that had enough zeros to send Lui’s head spinning.

It was a three-year offer worth, on average, $400,000 a season. In other words, a $1.2 million payday that would set up Lui, his partner Tahleah Rae and their young son Matthias for life.

Robert Lui training ahead of the Cowboys’ opening game of the season. Picture: Zak Simmonds

The Cowboys could not compete. Having outlaid millions to retain star triumvirate Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott and James Tamou, club officials shrugged and placed a comparatively meagre offer on the table.

The one-year deal was worth $180,000, take it or leave it.

Sorry Rob, no room for negotiation. More than $1 million less than the Warriors’ multi-year bonanza.

The right option, in Lui’s eyes, was to repay the club that refused to abandon him during his one-year suspension from the code.

“The deal from the Warriors could have set my family up for life,” said Lui, who partnered Thurston in the halves against Canberra last night.

“I thought about it and I spoke to my partner.

“The Cowboys gave to me and now I want to give back to them.

“The Warriors were pretty keen, but the Cowboys showed me a lot of faith after the issues I went through.

“They kept paying during my time out so now I want to pay something back to them.

“Going to New Zealand would have been a huge move.

“We don’t know anyone over there and our families are up north near Townsville.

“In the end, I decided it would be best for me to stay and I think it’s the right call.

“Some people would say it’s hard to give that money up but I want to prove this year I can be here for a long time.’’

The former Tigers playmaker remains a free agent for 2015, but can see a long-term opportunity to partner Thurston at the scrumbase.

Playmaking rival Ray Thompson has been converted into a hooker, while Michael Morgan has been shifted to fullback to replace injured Lachlan Coote.

With his sordid past behind him, Lui has a golden chance to secure his future.

“I want to be the first-choice halfback,’’ the 24-year-old said. “I want to lead the team around and help ‘Jonno’ there. Last year I felt I was getting a good combination with him and I’d like to start off well this year.

“Today, I watch all the halfbacks ... Daly Cherry-Evans, Cooper Cronk.

“I keep an eye on what they do, but at the same time I try to add to my game.

“If I get re-signed it’s a bonus, but I will never forget what the Cowboys did for me and hopefully I can finish my career up here.’’