Jarome Luai skipped the Wests Tigers end-of-season awards night. His time with the club came to an end after the event. Reports characterize the situation as a controversial chapter. During the event, Wests Tigers players Twal and McGregor won major awards.

Luai has secured 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 not attending the awards night. The sponsorship offers him a new arrangement while his Tigers exit has sparked criticism.