Junior Paulo defends Jarome Luai amid Wests Tigers exit criticism

Junior Paulo has defended Jarome Luai following the player's controversial exit from the Wests Tigers. Luai, a four-time grand final winner, is set to join the Parramatta Eels next season for a one-year stint before moving to Port Moresby.

Luai faced criticism from Wests Tigers supporters due to mid-contract commitments to sponsorship appearances in Papua New Guinea and his absence from the club's recent presentation night. Speaking at a World Cup launch in Sydney, Paulo described Luai as a “misunderstood” competitor and suggested the recent criticism has been “a bit unfair.”

The move marks a significant Samoan presence at the Eels, as Luai joins teammates Spencer Leniu, Jaydn Su’A, Ronald Volkman, and Paulo at the club's Kellyville base.