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<\/p>\nThe Eels are facing a \u201ccircus\u201d next season with the impending arrival of Jarome Luai, who was met with heavy criticism this week for his latest trip to Papua New Guinea.<\/p>\n
The Tigers playmaker was spotted at a golf tournament in Port Moresby on the weekend, pictured with PNG Prime Minister James Marape and Australian golfer Josh Armstrong.<\/p>\n
It was reported that Tigers officials only became aware of the trip when pictures were posted to social media, although Luai had on another ocassion been given permission to travel to PNG.<\/p>\n
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Watch every game of every round of the Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1<\/a>.<\/p>\n After signing with the Chiefs for 2028, Luai\u2019s schedule became considerably more busy due to his third-party deals, having recently become the face of Pepsi in PNG.<\/p>\n For Fox League\u2019s Paul Crawley, Luai\u2019s off-field commitments could become an issue for the Eels who have inherited their marquee signing\u2019s balancing act for the 2027 season.<\/p>\n \u201cParramatta, you spoke last night about Luai doing his hit and run visit to PNG. The Wests Tigers, to their credit, they don\u2019t get too many ticks from me,\u201d Crawley said on NRL360.<\/p>\n \u201cBut on this occasion they have cut the umbilical cord. They\u2019ve said \u2018go for your life, we have one game to go\u2019.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is Parramatta\u2019s problem now, because Parramatta have just paid $700,000 to bring a circus into the club.<\/p>\n \u201cThey have. They have got the answer playing beside Mitchell Moses at the moment, but instead of giving him a decent offer, they\u2019ve gone and signed this bloke for $700,000.<\/p>\n \u201cThis will continue next year, because Jarome Luai, they have gone into this deal eyes wide open and this will continue next year and Parramatta can\u2019t whinge about it.\u201d<\/p>\n Crawley\u2019s comments come after The Daily Telegraph\u2019s Dean Ritchie labelled Luai\u2019s trip to Papua New Guinea a \u201cdisgrace\u201d.<\/a><\/p>\n Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!<\/a><\/p>\n Should the NRL introduce a wildcard rd? | 03:06<\/p>\n \u201cParramatta, welcome to Jarome\u2019s world next year. It shouldn\u2019t be happening. The Tigers or NRL should step in,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n While it was revealed the Tigers were given two days off, facing a long turnaround ahead of their clash against the Panthers, Braith Anasta also said he \u201cwouldn\u2019t have allowed it\u201d.<\/p>\n And while the Eels are now bracing for headaches regarding Luai\u2019s Chiefs obligations \u2014 they have arguably a bigger predicament on their hands.<\/p>\n The emergence of Ronald Volkman to close out the 2026 season has seen many call for Parramatta to retain the rising playmaker, who is without a contract for next year.<\/p>\n The Bulldogs are reportedly eyeing off his signature and Luai is expected to partner Mitchell Moses in the halves next season under Ryles.<\/p>\n \u201cThey will be banking on Mitchell Moses and that combination bringing out the best in Jarome,\u201d The Daily Telegraph\u2019s Riccio said.<\/p>\n \u201c(But) he has gone backwards this season. Calling it as you see it, he has gone backwards. Defensively, and whether it\u2019s a combination of trying to appease so many different parties here.\u201d<\/p>\n However, Volkman\u2019s latest display against the Sharks will undoubtedly give Parramatta food for thought, with Crawley comparing the Eels No.6 to Cronulla superstar Nicho Hynes.<\/p>\n \u201c(Hynes) got towelled up on the weekend by a bloke who doesn\u2019t even have a club for next year,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you knew nothing about rugby league and you\u2019re watching your first game and you\u2019re thinking \u2018who is on the big bucks here?\u2019.<\/p>\n MORE NRL NEWS<\/p>\n SOUTHS LOCKED IN: Rabbitohs\u2019 finals berth after touching Arrow tribute<\/a><\/p>\n BENNETT DELIVERS: Wayne\u2019s touching moment in \u2018emotional\u2019 Arrow scenes<\/a><\/p>\n