Jarome Luai skipped the Wests Tigers end-of-season awards night. His time with the club came to a close after the event. Reports characterize the situation as a controversial chapter. At the ceremony, Wests Tigers players Twal and McGregor took home top honours.

Luai has landed a tax-free sponsorship deal with PNG-based company Trukai. The new agreement is estimated at $2.2 million per season. Luai left the club after not attending the awards night. The sponsorship gives him a new arrangement while his Tigers exit is facing criticism.