Interim Wests Tigers chief government Shane Richardson says Jarome Luai will likely be a “game changer” when he joins the membership subsequent 12 months, however he warned their followers that they’re nonetheless in a transition interval and need to be affected person in 2024.
Luai ended months of hypothesis by saying on Wednesday that he was leaving Penrith on the finish of the season to affix the Tigers on a five-year deal value a reported $6m.
It’s an enormous coup for the Tigers given Luai is a consultant star who has helped the Panthers win three premierships in a row and has the expertise to save lots of them after back-to-back picket spoons.
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“Every team needs and requires a player who can change the game,” Richardson informed SEN.
“They are very few and far between and they are like diamonds when they come up because it’s rare when they do.
“Especially those with a proven track record of three-straight premierships.
“We just had to get him.
“He’s also a massive coup for us off the field in terms of marketing as well.
“He’s an exciting person to have on-board and he will be a game changer for us.”
Richardson joined the Tigers on a six-month deal final month after the whole board was dismantled and made his emotions in direction of Luai clear throughout a formidable press convention on the membership’s centre of excellence.
“In my opinion, he was the best young half coming through, he’s proven at the highest level as the best young half coming through,” he mentioned in December.
“Not only that, he’s a great team leader. That Penrith side revolves around Luai.
“He’s a great person off the field despite what many media people like to try to make out. You couldn’t meet a better person than him.
“You couldn’t ask for a better person at the club.”
While Luai’s arrival has the potential to make the membership aggressive once more, Richardson has cautioned followers to stay affected person this 12 months as they proceed to work on the roster beneath new coach Benji Marshall.
“We will certainly change a few things,” Richardson mentioned.
“We’re in a transition (period). I’m excited about the squad but it’s not 100 per cent balanced.
“We just have to spend 12 months massaging the squad to make sure we set ourselves up.
“We want to win every game we can but we want to build a good squad for the next two to three years.”
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
