{"id":816386,"date":"2026-07-22T11:10:11","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T11:10:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/816386\/"},"modified":"2026-07-22T11:10:11","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T11:10:11","slug":"eels-defend-jarome-luais-2027-nrl-signing-ahead-of-chiefs-move","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/816386\/","title":{"rendered":"Eels defend Jarome Luai’s 2027 NRL signing ahead of Chiefs move"},"content":{"rendered":"

Parramatta coach Jason Ryles says he is unapologetic about agreeing to Jarome Luai’s one-season stopover at the Eels.<\/p>\n

Luai, who is the PNG Chiefs’ marquee recruit for 2028, last week signed with the Eels for next season<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A four-time premiership winner with the Panthers, Luai was released by Wests Tigers, which want to give their younger halves opportunities in first grade.<\/p>\n

Ryles said he had no concerns Luai’s arrival would discourage Parramatta’s halves prospects.<\/p>\n

Luai joins Parramatta, Marshall slams relationship breakdown rumours<\/a><\/p>\n

Benji Marshall has slammed “bull**** rumours” claiming a fractured relationship with Jarome Luai contributed to the star five-eighth’s early exit from Wests Tigers.<\/p>\n

He said signing Luai was a win for the 15th-placed Eels’ stable of younger halves options, which includes Joash Papalii, Lincoln Fletcher and Lorenzo Talataina.<\/p>\n

“We’re sitting in a spot on the ladder that we don’t want to be,” Ryles said.<\/p>\n

“It’s no-one’s fault directly but we need more experienced players. Jarome fits that bill at the moment.<\/p>\n

“We have got younger players that are coming through our pathways and our system that may be ready in 12 months.<\/p>\n

“But this gives them an extra bit of time to \u2026 learn off a true pro that’s won a lot of premierships.”<\/p>\n

Amid a season of injury concerns for the Eels, centre Will Penisini could return from osteitis pubis via reserve grade this weekend.<\/p>\n

Ryles said he was hopeful veteran prop Junior Paulo and outside back Bailey Simonsson would be back from their long-term injuries in “the next one or two weeks”.<\/p>\n

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