Wests Tigers officials blindsided by Luai’s appearance at PNG golf tournament
Wests Tigers officials were surprised to learn of star player Jarome Luai's trip to Papua New Guinea for a golf tournament via social media. Luai, who is set to join a PNG-based team in 2028, had received permission to stay in Townsville for medical reasons following a leg injury.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the complexities of player management and the growing influence of international sports diplomacy in the NRL.
— 5:44pm , first published 10:15am
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Share A A A Some Wests Tigers officials only learnt about Jarome Luai’s trip to Port Moresby when photos were posted on social media of their captain at a golf tournament.
The Tigers’ $1.2 million-a-year marquee man asked if he could stay behind in Townsville on Sunday, and was granted permission after he passed a medical examination on a leg injury he suffered the night before in the 24-10 loss to the Cowboys.
A few hours after his teammates returned to Sydney, Luai was on a private jet to Port Moresby where he joined Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape at a golf tournament.
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