Jarome Luai did not attend the Wests Tigers end-of-season awards night. His time with the club ended after the event. Reports portray the situation as a contentious episode. During the event, Wests Tigers players Twal and McGregor received major awards.

Luai has landed a tax-free sponsorship deal with PNG-based company Trukai. The new agreement is valued at $2.2 million per season. Luai departed the club after missing the awards night. The sponsorship provides him with a fresh arrangement while his Tigers exit has sparked criticism.