Jarome Luai saga takes $4.5 million twist amid David Klemmer detail at Wests Tigers
The Wests Tigers are reportedly looking at using David Klemmer as a make-weight in an eye-watering deal for Jarome Luai.
Jarome Luai is seemingly edging closer to a big-money move away from the Penrith Panthers amid reports the Wests Tigers are set to table him an eye-watering $4.5 million deal over four years. Luai is arguably the biggest star on the open market and has been continually linked to the Tigers.
It's understood the wooden spooners are prepared to release former representative prop David Klemmer from his contract at the club to free up funds for the huge play at Luai. The three-time NRL premiership winner is still contracted to the Panthers for next season, with reports the defending premiers have only been able to afford a two-year, $1.7 million contract extension to the five-eighth.
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While Penrith's deal is nothing to be sneezed at, there is a growing sense the Tigers are prepared to blow their rivals out of the water by offering the star playmaker more than $1.1 million per season over four years. The Sydney Morning Herald reported the Tigers were set to make a formal contract offer to Luai this week.
On Wednesday, The Daily Telegraph also reported that Luai has informed those closest to him at the Panthers that he's leaning towards moving to the Tigers. Luai reportedly met with new Tigers coach Benji Marshall at his family home recently to listen to a pitch about the merits of joining the club. Luai grew up idolising Marshall and played with his hero for the Maori All-Stars at the back end of Benji's career.
The Daily Telegraph’s Dave Riccio spoke on SEN radio about the influence Marshall has had around negotiations for the NSW and Samoa Test star. “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," Riccio said. "Marshall has taken a keen interest in the five-eighth.
“Let’s not forget the relationship of Api Koroisau and Charlie Staines, who are both former Panthers.” Fox League's James Hooper has also mentioned Luai's close friendship with Koroisau as a major factor around his potential switch, with the league reporter saying he's heard "major rumblings" the Tigers were readying themselves for a major move.
The Bulldogs are also said to be keen on snaring Luai, with a number of former Panthers teammates already at Canterbury. Stephen Crichton, Viliame Kikau and Matt Burton have all moved across to the Bulldogs in recent years after becoming stars at the Panthers.
Tigers could free up funds by releasing David Klemmer
Riccio revealed on SEN that the Tigers could be looking to offload Klemmer from his lucrative contract to free up funds for the Luai play. “Suddenly, David Klemmer has emerged as a key figure in the Wests Tigers’ pursuit of Jarome Luai,” Riccio said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“Klemmer’s name has been floated to a number of clubs by a person who is unrelated to Klemmer or his management. I can’t confirm if it’s a Wests Tigers official but there is certainly an agitation to get Klemmer off the Tigers’ books.
“(His salary) sits at around $750,000 a season until at least 2026 and he’s only 12 months into that deal. It just speaks to the situation at the Wests Tigers and how keen they are on Jarome Luai.
“The David Klemmer situation does suggest that they do need to get rid of some money to get Luai in.” Klemmer played in all 24 games for the Tigers in 2023 and is still contracted to the joint venture club until the end of the 2026 season.
NRL commentator Andrew Voss said it would be an awful situation for the veteran forward if the reports about Luai were true, considering the deal for the five-eighth wouldn't be until the start of the 2025 season. “If they are not getting Luai until the following year, then it’s an awful situation for a player like David Klemmer,” Voss said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“Try your guts out for us next year, but we don’t want you the year after that because we have someone else coming in next year so you’ll have to go. It’s a terrible situation for Klemmer who will have to play for the Tigers next year but he’s being shunted.”
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