Wests Tigers are poised to make a four-year, A$4.5 million (NZ$4.87m) offer to Jarome Luai in a bid to snare the most prized signature on the open market.
The Tigers have had ongoing talks with Luai and his manager and are planning to lodge a formal offer. Sources with knowledge of the situation, not authorised to speak publicly about the matter, said a contract could potentially be put before Luai’s management before close of business on Thursday.
The development comes after the Sydney Morning Herald revealed that Tigers coach Benji Marshall had personally made a secret pitch to Luai at the Penrith playmaker’s home.
The Tigers deal will dwarf a Panthers extension offer of A$1.7m over two years, which Luai has so far opted not to accept. Marshall believes he can build the club around Luai, who will get the chance to be the chief playmaker if he opts to shift from the foot of the mountains.
The Luai interest comes at a time when there is intrigue over David Klemmer’s future at the joint-venture outfit. Klemmer is contracted until the end of 2025, with a mutual option for the following season.
However, the Tigers won’t stand in his way if another club is prepared to offer a long-term deal.
