Despite posting a cryptic message on social media within the aftermath, Jarome Luai knew Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary “wasn’t lying” when he stated rival groups have been taking a “risk” by signing the star five-eighth.
The Wests Tigers finally felt the chance was definitely worth the expenditure as Luai confirmed he would be part of the membership on a five-year deal starting in 2025, with the contract estimated to be price $6 million.
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Once it grew to become evident Luai would take a look at the open market, Cleary publicly contemplated if the 26-year-old was able to step as much as the plate as a marquee playmaker.
“If any club, the money we are talking, the money he may consider leaving, it would have to be for that kind of role (being the chief playmaker) which I would understand,” Cleary stated in October.
“Is he ready for that? That’s a question mark I would think. Can he do it? I’m sure he could do it. Has he done it? He hasn’t really.
“In this team, he has his role to play. That’s a risk everyone would have to take.”
Luai took to Instagram not lengthy after and uploaded a photograph alongside the textual content: “Know your worth”.
But having revealed his future lay with the Tigers, Luai conceded Cleary was justified in what he stated though he was decided to show the Tigers’ threat might be definitely worth the reward.
Luai reveals Benji huge position in coming | 01:27
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“He wasn’t lying,” Luai stated.
“At the end of the day, it is a risk to pay someone any amount of money what you think they’re going to be for your club.
“But like I said, I’ve got full belief of what I do and what I can bring and that all comes on the back of hard work.
“It (Cleary’s comments) did shock me a bit, but he wasn’t lying.”
One determine central to convincing the Tigers Luai was the playmaker they wanted was rookie head coach Benji Marshall.
Marshall will take pleasure in his first full season as an NRL head coach after a tumultuous 2023 marketing campaign during which he was promoted from his assistant position sooner than anticipated because of Tim Sheens’ sacking.
Although the membership’s woes on and off the sphere have been effectively documented over the course of final season, they weren’t sufficient to dissuade Luai from the chance to play underneath his childhood hero.
“My first game of rugby league was that (2005) grand final,” Luai stated.
“I was out on a camping trip with my family and came to see that guy (Marshall) do his thing out there, inspired me.
“I had one Tigers towel and I wouldn’t let my mum wash it.
“I’ve always been a big fan of Benji, just the way he holds himself. I got the opportunity to chuck the boots on with him in Maori (All Stars) camp and actually room with him which was pretty cool for me.
“It’s exciting. I’ve watched him play, I’ve played against him, I’ve played with him and now I get to be coached by him in 2025, so that will be pretty cool.”
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
