Jarome Luai skipped the Wests Tigers end-of-season awards night. His tenure with the club came to a close after the event. Reports characterize the situation as a contentious episode. At the ceremony, Wests Tigers players Twal and McGregor received major awards.

Luai has signed a tax-exempt sponsorship deal with PNG-based company Trukai. The fresh deal is estimated at $2.2 million per season. Luai left the club after skipping the awards night. The sponsorship provides him with a new arrangement while his Tigers exit is facing criticism.