Parramatta recruit Jarome Luai admits it took time to process that he was unwanted at Wests Tigers, but insists he is now "fully supportive" of the club's decision to offload him after 2026.
A surprisingly jovial Luai said on Thursday it was "a bit of a shock" to have been told, only 18 months into a lucrative move to the Tigers, that he could explore his options for next season.
The Tigers' form has dipped in tandem with Luai announcing he would join expansion side PNG for 2028 and joint-venture club are now prioritising younger halves prospects for next year.
Luai would not address his stopover with the rebuilding Eels, who confirmed this week the five-eighth would partner halfback Mitch Moses in the halves in 2027.
"I'm not at Parra yet, bro," Luai said.
"I'll answer those questions November 1 or when our season's done, but out of respect for my club and the lads, I'm still a Wests Tigers player."
Luai arrived at the Tigers last season after winning four premierships with Penrith and was considered a vital piece in the puzzle to rebuild the long-time strugglers.
Instead, he will leave likely having not played finals, as the Tigers enter round 20 in 13th place on the ladder with a 7-10 record.
Luai said tough decisions were a reality of professional sport.
"It was a bit of a shock, I'll be honest with you," Luai said.
"But as a player, our game at this level is a business and the faster the athlete is able to comprehend that, the better understanding they have of where and why these decisions are made.
"I think it's human to feel an emotion and then slowly process it and understand why things happen. I'm a man, I'm a man just like you, bro. I'm not going to lie, it did take a bit of time to process."
Tigers coach Benji Marshall explained earlier this week that keeping Luai for another season, only to farewell him for 2028, could have hampered the progress of younger players.
Latu Fainu and Javon Andrews are both up-and-coming halves who are stuck behind Luai for starting opportunities in the first-grade side.
"I'm fully supportive of the club, knowing that there's potential in these guys here, especially in the halves," Luai said.
"Without opportunity, those guys can't prosper. The last thing I wanted to be was a roadblock for another man's success, so fully supportive of the club."
The Tigers have won only two of 10 games since Luai became the Chiefs' inaugural signing for their foundation season.
The 29-year-old said if his impending move had been a distraction, that was his mistake.
"I've never shied away from responsibility and accountability. If it's on me, it's on me, I'll wear that burden," he said.
"The best thing I can do now is put my best foot forward for the lads."
Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh made an ambitious play to court Luai through the media earlier this week.
"I was actually keen on the Sydney Kings, bro, a bit of basketball, but they didn't come to the table," Luai joked.
"Maybe next time."
Australian Associated Press
