# Jarome Luai departure from Wests Tigers

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/jarome-luai-departure-from-wests-tigers
> Updated: 2026-09-04T02:04:17.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

Jarome Luai is preparing to play his final game for the Wests Tigers against the Penrith Panthers following a period of controversy regarding an unannounced trip to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Luai had traveled via private jet to attend a golf tournament with PNG Prime Minister James Marape, an event the club was reportedly unaware of until social media images surfaced.

Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall has defended Luai’s tenure at the club, describing it as a success despite the team’s recent struggles, which included 13 losses in 16 games following Luai’s marquee signing. Marshall noted that Luai’s impact on training, club standards, and player recruitment was significant. 

Luai is scheduled to join Parramatta next season before moving to the PNG Chiefs in 2028.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-04: Benji Marshall defends Jarome Luai’s Wests Tigers tenure

Benji Marshall defended Jarome Luai’s impact at the Wests Tigers as he prepares for his final game before moving to Parramatta and eventually the PNG Chiefs.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/benji-marshall-defends-jarome-luais-wests-tigers-tenure

### 2026-09-01: Jarome Luai to play final Wests Tigers game despite PNG trip controversy

Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall will select Jarome Luai for his final game against the Penrith Panthers, despite controversy over an unannounced promotional trip to Papua New Guinea.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jarome-luai-to-play-final-wests-tigers-game-despite-png-trip-controversy

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Cite as: Jarome Luai departure from Wests Tigers. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/jarome-luai-departure-from-wests-tigers