Overview
- Multiple outlets report the Tigers have told Jarome Luai he may pursue a new club for 2027 despite having one year left on his Concord contract.
- Luai remains under contract to join the Papua New Guinea Chiefs for their inaugural 2028 NRL season after signing with them in April 2026.
- The decision is presented as a salary‑cap move to free roughly $1.2 million so the Tigers can keep and promote young talent such as Latu and Samuela Fainu.
- The club’s off‑field turmoil has coincided with a sharp drop in form, capped by a 32-6 loss to the Warriors that leaves the Tigers’ finals hopes in doubt.
- Luai faces a possible NRL match‑review charge for an alleged hair‑pull from the Warriors game, and his short‑term availability has already generated speculation about suitors and how the Tigers might spend the freed salary space.