Wests Tigers interim CEO Shane Richardson has explained why he and the club fought incredibly hard to acquire playmaker Jarome Luai from the Penrith Panthers.
After months of speculation, Luai finally confirmed his defection to the Tigers on a $6 million deal over five years which will begin in 2025.
Richardson, who was appointed on a six-month contract following the dismissal of the Tigers board in December 2023, said players of Luai’s ilk are rare and must be snapped up when they are on the open market.
“Why do you sign Daly Cherry-Evans? Why would you sign Adam Reynolds?” Richardson said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“Every team needs and requires a player who can change the game.
“They are very few and far between and they are like diamonds when they come up because it’s rare when they do.
“Especially those with a proven track record of three straight premierships.
“We just had to get him.
“He’s also a massive coup for us off the field in terms of marketing as well.
“He’s an exciting person to have on board and he will be a game changer for us.”
Luai’s signing is welcome news for Tigers fans following the dramatic overhaul of the entire club less than a month earlier.
The Tigers will be desperate to avoid a third straight wooden spoon in 2024 but Richardson said his focus is on improving the existing Tigers roster.
“We will certainly change a few things,” Richardson continued.
“We’re in a transition (period). I’m excited about the squad but it’s not 100% balanced.
“We just have to spend 12 months massaging the squad to make sure we set ourselves up.
“We want to win every game we can but we want to build a good squad for the next two to three years.”
The Wests Tigers begin their 2024 campaign with a bye before travelling to Canberra in Round 2 to take on the Raiders.