The futures of Wests Tigers co-captain Jarome Luai and fullback Jahream Bula have been plunged into doubt after the dramatic boardroom clean-out at the NRL club this week. Former NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell was one of four independent directors sacked from the Wests Tigers board by the club’s majority owners – the Holman Barnes Group.
The ownership group owns Wests Ashfield and has a majority share in the Western Suburbs Magpies, while also holding a 90 per cent stake in the NRL club. And the messy situation has reportedly left Tigers CEO Shane Richardson questioning his future at the club, with the NRL vowing to launch an investigation into the boardroom drama at the club.
The boardroom drama at the Wests Tigers could spell bad news for the club’s hopes of hanging onto Jarome Luai (L) and Jahream Bula (R)
The messy situation could spell bad news for the Tigers’ hopes of hanging onto two of their biggest stars – Luai and Bula – who could both leave after next season. Tigers chief Richardson was instrumental in bringing four-time premiership winner Luai to the club from the Panthers. And he’s been central to discussions about extending Bula, who is off contract after 2026 and free to negotiate with rival clubs.
Luai has a get-out clause in the five-year, $6 million deal he signed with the Tigers when he made the switch from Penrith this year, meaning he could also leave after next season. And the rep playmaker has consistently been forced to deny suggestions he could walk out on the Tigers after 2026, with Luai insisting he wants to achieve success with the joint venture club.
Boardroom drama clouds futures of Tigers stars
It’s understood Luai was close to removing the get-out clause in his contract but the current instability at the club could force him into rethink, as it was inserted as a way of holding the Tigers to account. The Origin star helped the club climb the ladder into 13th spot last season after three-straight wooden spoons but he’s desperate to get them back playing finals footy in 2026.
Richardson is a huge admirer of Luai’s and if he were to quit the club amid the current uncertainty, it would undoubtedly leave the Tigers co-captain’s future up in the air. If Luai were to move on, he’d probably struggle to command the salary he’s on at the Tigers at most rival NRL clubs. But with the Perth Bears entering the competition in 2027 and in need of a marquee signing, it could open the door for them to pounce.
The boardroom drama at the Wests Tigers has raised questions around the futures of Jarome Luai and Jahream Bula at the joint venture club. Pic: Getty
Bula is another player whose Tigers future could be in jeopardy if Richardson leaves, with the CEO central to the club’s push to re-sign the star fullback. Talks over an extension for Bula stalled after the Tigers baulked at his asking price of around $800,000-$900,000 a season. But The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the Tigers were close to agreeing a new deal for Bula, before the recent drama unfolded which has clouded the situation.
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The Tigers fullback – who has scored 23 tries in 57 games since debuting for the club in 2023 – has already been linked with a switch to the Bulldogs and a potential reunion with former teammate Lachlan Galvin. But the Bears could also be another option, with the electric No.1 the ideal sort of player for Perth coach Mal Meninga to build his maiden roster around.