Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall has been involved in frosty post-match news conference after his side fell 32-6 to the New Zealand Warriors at an equally chilly Campbelltown.
Unsurprisingly Marshall was asked about the bombshell reports surrounding the early release of club captain Jarome Luai who was not present, replaced by Adam Doueihi.
“We’re not going to talk about that today,” Marshall declared flatly.
“That can come up at another time and place.”
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Marshall said he just wanted to process the Warriors result, but did end up adding a few insights on the latest Luai situation – the second time this season news of Luai’s future has appeared to distract the Tigers on the field.
“You can’t control what comes out or what gets said… that’s not coming from us,” he said.
‘Nothing’s finalised or done’ says Marshall on Luai release
Pushed yet again for more details on the situation surrounding his club captain, Marshall was clearly unimpressed.
“I just said I’m not going to talk about it,” he replied.
“I’m happy to talk about the game, that’s what I’m here for, because we’re processing that right now.
“Anything else we can talk about another day when we’re ready to talk about it.
“When it comes to something being done, we’ll let you know – at the moment nothing’s finalised or done.”
According to multiple reports in the past 48 hours Luai has been granted permission to depart the Tigers at the end of 2026 despite still being contracted at Concord for a further 12 months.
Luai will join the PNG Chiefs in 2028 and has been linked with both the Eels and Bears next season.