Wests Tigers’ new star recruit, Jarome Luai, expressed his heartfelt sentiments towards the club’s loyal fans following their resounding 32-6 victory over the Eels on Sunday. In a dynamic partnership with fellow playmaker Lachlan Galvin, Luai helped secure the team’s first win of the season after narrowly losing his debut match to the Knights.
The match was highlighted by winger Sunia Turuva’s stunning hat-trick, further solidifying the Eels’ poor start to the season. Following their opening round defeat, the Tigers celebrated their much-awaited victory, showcasing promise for the rest of the season.
In a post-match interview with rugby league icon Brad Fittler, Luai acknowledged the struggles the Tigers’ fans have faced in recent years, stating, “Things haven’t gone their way for a couple of years, but the Tigers fans are really spirited and we’re going to do this for the ones that stuck by us.” His comments reflected a deep commitment to turning the team’s fortunes around.
Galvin, alongside teammates Starford To’a and Jeral Skelton, made his mark on the scoreboard during the emphatic win. Galvin’s try was a highlight, as he capitalised on a perfectly executed play initiated by flashy fullback Jahream Bula, culminating in a moment of jubilation as he celebrated with fans.
Despite the dominant performance, Luai expressed disappointment at conceding a late try to Sean Russell, which marred the team’s defensive ambitions. He emphasised the team’s focus on a strong defensive strategy, stating, “What we want to be as a team this year is defence first… we’re going to be chasing that zero every week.”
Former rugby league player Ruan Sims praised this mindset, noting Luai’s satisfaction with the attacking display, while also recognising the need for improvement on defence. Sims remarked on the genuine spirit displayed by the Tigers during the match, which resonated with their passionate supporters.
For the Eels, the start of coach Jason Ryles’ tenure has been challenging, marked by a heavy defeat to the Storm prior to the loss against the Tigers. The club will be looking to regroup as they navigate the early season struggles.
Overall, the Tigers’ performance and Luai’s leadership demonstrate a potential turning point for the club, with their fans eager for a resurgence.