Days after Apisai Koroisau extended his time with the Wests Tigers until the end of 2028, the star hooker has already kicked off a retention plan to keep Jarome Luai at the club.
Luai, a star playmaker, only just arrived in Tiger Town this season, the first of a five-year deal. However, an exit clause at the end of 2026 could see him leave after just two seasons, a possibility that Koroisau does not want to happen.
Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, Koroisau admitted how important it was to him that his premiership-winning teammate remains a Tiger.
“He's one of those guys you just need at your club,” Koroisau declared.
“He's shown the way the whole time he's been here. Let's just hope he feels the same way and wants to stay.”
Despite only being a season into his Tigers tenure, Luai has had a huge impact on the team and its fans, a fact that Koroisau is not willing to overlook.
“He is massive for this club, he's been one of the loudest guys here in terms of leadership, and his competitiveness is next level, it's second to none," said Koroisau.
The former Panthers hooker acknowledged that Luai would "be hearing it from everywhere and everyone" on what he should do with his future, and that's a line he's hesitant to cross.
"I really enjoy the friendship we have, we keep it pretty cordial, and if I feel like I need to say something, I will, but in the meantime, I don't need to."
Luai is free to negotiate with clubs from November 1 if he does choose to activate his exit clause; however, the Blues' five-eighth has declared he will not make a decision until the season is over.
