Jarome Luai was absent from the Wests Tigers end-of-season awards night. His time with the club came to an end after the event. Reports characterize the situation as a controversial chapter. During the event, Wests Tigers players Twal and McGregor received major awards.
Luai has signed a tax-free sponsorship deal with PNG-based company Trukai. The fresh deal is reported at $2.2 million per season. Luai departed the club after missing the awards night. The sponsorship gives him a new arrangement while his Tigers exit draws criticism.