Jarome Luai has reportedly been granted permission to leave the Wests Tigers at the end of this season.
The 29-year-old, has already signed a $1.2 million deal with Papua New Guinea to become their first signing for 2028.
But in a stunning twist Code Sports has now revealed the Tigers are looking to move the four-time premiership winner on at the end of the 2026 season in an attempt to free up salary cap space.
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Luai took to Instagram on Thursday after the news broke, posting a picture of himself to his story captioned, “Gods plan not mine”.
He accompanied the photo with the Rod Wave song “Moving On”.
It is reported the Tigers met with Luai last week to inform him he was free to move on from his deal worth a reported $1.2m per season.
They hope the departure of Luai will enable them to hold onto the Fainu brothers, in particular Latu Fainu who has been warming the bench for much of the 2026 season.
The Samoan international left the Panthers to sign with the Tigers in 2024 on a five-year contract.
The first two seasons were guaranteed, while the remaining three provided him with favourable options.
Luai triggered that clause three months ago to enable him to pen a deal with PNG.
The 10-day cooling off period for the deal was waived so he could remain with the Tigers for the 2027 season.
But the new development is now expected to start a scramble from other clubs for Luai’s signature on a one-year deal.
It comes after the Tigers made a host of moves to stabilise their team since the confirmation of Luai’s 2028 exit.
That has included handing new contracts to Jahream Bula, Sunia Turuva, Heamasi Makasini, and the May brothers.
Dolphins star Jake Averillo has also agreed to join the Tigers for the 2027 season on a four-year deal.
The Tigers are languishing in 12th on the NRL ladder after three successive defeats.
They face the Warriors on Friday, before games against the Bulldogs and Raiders.
Luai will return to the team for Friday night’s clash after missing the defeat to the Dragons due to a concussion.
Originally published as NRL rocked by shock Jarome Luai bombshell as Wests Tigers make stunning decision