Jarome Luai was absent from the Wests Tigers end-of-season awards night. His tenure with the club came to an end after the event. Reports characterize the situation as a disputed period. At the awards night, Wests Tigers players Twal and McGregor received major awards.

Luai has secured a tax-free sponsorship deal with PNG-based company Trukai. The new agreement is reported at $2.2 million per season. Luai exited the team after missing the awards night. The sponsorship offers him a new arrangement while his Tigers exit is facing criticism.