Wests Tigers’ pursuit of Jarome Luai is proving extra costly

The Wests Tigers’ dogged pursuit of Jarome Luai is having an impact on other deals well before securing the Panthers’ signature.

The Tigers are desperate to pry Luai away from Ivan Cleary and the Panthers. Photo: NRL Photos

The Wests Tigers’ big-money pursuit of Jarome Luai has come at a price.

It means the club’s plans to sign Justin Olam as part of a player swap with Shawn Blore has been put on ice.

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It was revealed last month that the Tigers were in negotiations with Olam over an immediate move that would have opened the door for Blore to sign with the Storm.

But according to News Corp those talks have been put on hold as the Tigers put all attention and energy into the Luai chase.

Luai comes off contract at the end of 2024, meaning he’s been free to negotiate with rivals since November 1.

The Tigers reportedly tabled a four-year offer to the three-time premiership-winning five-eighth said to be worth $1.125 million a season, while the Bulldogs have also entered the race for Luai.

The Tigers are desperate to pry Luai away from Ivan Cleary and the Panthers. Photo: NRL Photos

Olam has fallen out of favour at the Storm with the PNG international even being dropped to Queensland Cup during last season. However, given the Tigers’ change of heart, the 29-year-old is now expected to remain in Melbourne for next season.

He is signed until the end of 2026 but the Storm would be willing to release him early.

There could be interest abroad with News Corp reporting Warrington coach Sam Burgess considered signing Olam a few months ago.

Elsewhere, Corey Harawira-Naera is set to take a big step in determining his playing future with News Corp reporting the Raiders forward will have an important meeting in January.

The 28-year-old suffered a seizure on the field in May and hasn’t played since.

According toNews Corp he is facing the prospect of his career being over after meeting with a specialist this week — but will have more clarity following a meeting in January.

Corey Harawira-Naera should soon have some clarity on his playing future. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

The Raiders are preparing for the worst outcome and are moving quickly, News Corp reports, with the club applying for salary cap exemption while he is sidelined.

Harawira-Naera is said to be earning around $600,000 a season and has two years remaining on his contract.

And a move abroad could be on the cards for Karl Lawton with News Corp reporting he is in talks with Super League clubs.

Lawton has managed just 35 first grade games over his three seasons with Manly due to injury and was one of the players informed that he was free to leave if he could find another club.

If he does leave, experienced forward Nathan Brown is a good chance of being upgraded from a train-and-trial deal into the Top 30.

Originally published as Wests Tigers’ pursuit of Jarome Luai is proving extra costly