Benji Marshall makes secret visit to house of Penrith Panthers star as Wests Tigers chase statement signing

Benji Marshall sneaks into the home of Penrith Panthers star Jarome Luai as the Wests Tigers continue to make statements.

Benji Marshall paid a secret visit to Jarome Luai’s home as he tries to land the No. 1 free agent. 1 of the NRL as he tries to land a big contract to boost his managerial career.

Two weeks after Luay officially went on the market, sources familiar with the situation but not authorized to speak publicly said Marshall met the three-time premiership winner at his home in western Sydney to discuss the merits a move to the Western Tigers. I’ve met. Despite not coaching his first game since taking over under Tim Sheens, Marshall has been instrumental in attracting some of the NRL’s best talent to the Wooden Spoons over the past two seasons.

He was chasing the biggest names on the market, admitting Marshall was his idol growing up, and so far has rejected the Panthers’ two-year, $1.7 million contract extension. The Tigers are yet to make a formal offer to Luay, but Marshall’s meeting with the 26-year-old suggests the club are ready to make a statement.

Marshall did his best to avoid any speculation about Ruai during his Sydney report a week ago, preferring to focus on the players he will have in charge in 2024. Veteran halves Aidan Sezer, Jayden Sullivan and Latu Fainu are all set to join the Tigers next season, while Adam Duhey is returning from a torn ACL and could be available after the season. The club also features teenager Lachlan Galvin, who is highly rated in the book. “You have to look at all the players coming into the market, especially if they’re big players,” Marshall said. “But we only signed half of it. There are four innings left to start the season. “This is currently our top priority.”

Marshall’s interest will only add to the intrigue surrounding Luai’s stake, which could have implications for the slow market for players such as North Queensland’s Tom Dearden and the Roosters’ Joseph Manu. Marshall wanted an experienced fly-half in Sear to lead the club after Luke Brooks’ move to Manly, but Luay easily took over the Tigers’ midfield role and steered the team away from Nathan Cleary’s shadow.

The Panthers are waiting to hear back from Luay before Christmas as they have given him significant cash, but that could be overshadowed by multi-million dollar offers from rival clubs such as the Tigers. The Panthers declined to advance talks with Luay, who is recovering from shoulder surgery, but his future will be a priority next month as the title-winning All-Star slowly returns to practice.

Ivan Cleary’s record-breaking side showed no appetite for early exits, retaining Matt Burton, William Kikau, Api Koroisau, Stephen Crichton and Spencer Lenew during their Premier League-winning season.