Jarome Luai opens up on Wests Tigers pressure, Lachlan Galvin partnership, contract clauses, and more

Jarome Luai believes he can be as influential a signing at the Tigers as 2005 premiership-winning halfback Scott Prince. Hear from Concord’s new marquee man as he talks expectations, Lachlan Galvin link-up, contract details and more.

Jarome Luai told Wests Tigers officials that if he played for them this year they would have made the top eight.

This was after spending his off-season re-watching every Tigers game twice before fronting up early for pre-season training last week.

Luai is the Tigers’ most important signing since 2005 premiership-winning halfback Scott Prince. And he believes he could be as influential as well.

Luai spoke with Michael Carayannis about expectations. Not externally but the pressure he has put on himself to win a fifth premiership.

PRESSURE

“Pressure is a big part of why I’m here,” Luai said.

“I want that pressure. Only the great players get to experience that and I’m looking at it as a great privilege to step into these shoes.”

As for premierships?

“I’ve always shot for the stars bro,” Luai said.

“If there is no ring on my hand at the end of the year, I wouldn’t say it’s a failure but that’s always my goal. If it’s not then you’re not playing in the right sport. That’s my ambition for 2025.”

Luai has worn the No.6 for a large chunk of his career. But he seems set for a switch as he partners Lachie Galvin in the halves.

Jarome Luai looks set to wear the No.7 this season. Picture: Rohan Kelly

“I think so,” Luai said of playing halfback.

“We’ll see what Benji (Marshall) feels. It would be pretty cool to wear Benji’s six but whatever number is on my back, I’m here to do a good job.”

Luai, who helped launch the Tigers’ upgraded sponsorship with insurance giant, Zurich who are now also the club’s sleeve sponsor as well as their naming rights holder of the centre of excellence, knows what is coming his way.

He had a taste of running the Panthers this season in the absence of Nathan Cleary. The onus will be on him to prove that he can do it for a season.

“There will always be those questions and you’re only as good as your last game,” Luai said.

“If I’m to have a bad game here or there then that question will be there the following week.”

CLAUSE FOR CONCERN?

Luai could be a free agent as early as November 1.

While he agreed to a five-year contract to make a high profile switch from the Panthers, his contract is filled with clauses. He can quit the club as early as two seasons in.

“That was negotiated by my management team,” Luai said.

“If you have a good agent then their best interest is the player. I’m locked into the club and bringing success to this team. If you’re a Tigers fan be excited for years to come. I’m all in. That’s the kind of man I’ve been.”

Premiership-winning recruits Sunia Turuva and Jarome Luai. Picture: Rohan Kelly

LEADERSHIP

Luai made a statement of coming to training early.

Sunia Turuva, who joined Luai at the Tigers from Penrith this year, said Luai was already barking instructions at their new Tigers teammates. Luai knows he needs to play a different role this season.

“I’m feeling old,” Luai said.

“They are young, full of energy and keen to learn. It takes me back to when I was first coming into grade. Hopefully I can instil in them some good habits.

“(I came early) to get to know the boys. January seemed a bit short to where the season starts. I wanted to show the boys I mean business and start early.

“I don’t want to say that I want to be captain. It’s not a driving factor for me. We have a great captain in Apisai (Koroisau) and I’m really happy to be under him.”

Lachlan Galvin will partner Jarome Luai in the halves. Picture: Wests Tigers

PARTNERSHIP

The Luai and Galvin combination is critical to any success the Tigers have.

Galvin is setting the standard by clean-sweeping the club’s fitness drills already this pre-season.

“You don’t want to change the way he plays,” Luai said.

“He is so fit. He can be anywhere at any team. That’s a massive asset. He is a sponge and has energy.”

SAYING GOODBYE

Luai was content when he cleaned out his locker at Penrith for the last time. Four premierships, five grand finals and 131 first grade games to his name.

“I wouldn’t say emotional,” Luai said.

“It was a happy feeling. I left on a good note. I did what I wanted to do in my last season. I really locked into that. I found simple closure in closing this door and being able to move into the next chapter. Now that I’m here it has come quickly but I’m ready for this.”