The Tigers appear to be the clear frontrunners to sign Panthers star Jarome Luai, with a decision from the playmaker likely to be made in the coming days.
Luai’s contract with the Panthers ends after the 2024 season, with his current club reportedly only able to offer a new deal worth $800,000 a season.
Speaking on SEN, The Daily Telegraph’s Dave Riccio says there is an “increasing confidence” the Tigers will land Luai, with coach Benji Marshall key in the recruiting drive.
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Luai has previously revealed that Tigers coach Benji Marshall was his idol growing up.
“To Wests Tigers fans, I wouldn’t be prepared to say you are going to get a huge present under the Christmas tree in the shape of Jarome Luai just yet, however, there is a big chance,” Riccio said.
“Benji Marshall, in his ability to woo and sell the dream to Luai.
“At a recent house visit to Benji’s place made by Luai, a deal is now starting to gain some traction.
“Let’s not forget the relationship of Api Koroisau and Charlie Staines, who are both former Panthers.
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Riccio went onto say that a board meeting at the Tigers later this week will go a long way in whether the club decides to “go all in” for Luai.
“This will pick up and gain some traction in the next 48 to 72 hours,” he said.
This latest development comes a day after Knights star Bradman Best posted a cryptic message on social media which suggested Luai was heading to Concord.
Best commented an emoji of a tiger underneath a video Luai posted on Instagram.
Best, who is also off contract at the end of 2024, was reportedly offered a deal from the Tigers which would have made him one of the highest paid centres in the game.
However, the Blues rep is set to stay put with Newcastle.
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