SAMOA captain Jarome Luai will play the 2027 season with Parramatta after he was released by Wests Tigers ahead of his 2028 move to the PNG Chiefs.
On Saturday the joint venture club announced: “Luai – originally contracted through until the end of 2027 – and the club have mutually agreed to his release from the final year of his contract.”
There was immediately speculation about the 29-year-old going to Super League for a year – or even rugby union.
But the Eels announced on Wednesday they had snared the four-time premiership winner, football manager Mark O’Neill saying in a statement: “Jarome is one of the most experienced and successful players of his generation, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the Parramatta Eels next year.
“His record speaks for itself. Winning four premierships requires an exceptional level of commitment, consistency and professionalism and those are qualities Jarome will bring to our football program every day.
“Beyond what he offers on the field, we believe Jarome will have a tremendous impact on our younger players coming through the system.
“His experience in high-performance environments and his professional approach to preparation and training will help mentor and develop the next generation of Eels.”
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