The acquisition of Benji’s $6 million Luai might be a lifeline for the Tigers, but it raises more uncertainties than it provides solutions.

The Tigers have secured a notable signing in Jarome Luai, but the decision to invest heavily in an untested primary playmaker on a $6 million deal raises questions about the efficacy of Benji Marshall’s rebuilding efforts.

Having missed out on previous targets such as Cameron Munster and Mitchell Moses, the Tigers’ willingness to pay a premium for a marquee player is understandable. However, the substantial investment in one unproven player raises concerns about the team’s ability to construct a well-rounded roster capable of competing for the finals and securing their first premiership since 2005.

Several uncertainties surround the Luai signing, and answers may only surface when the Panthers star joins the Tigers in 2025. The financial commitment of $1.2 million per season is significant, typically reserved for players of the caliber of Luai’s Penrith teammate, Nathan Cleary.

Cleary holds a central role for the Panthers, serving as their primary playmaker, general play kicker, goal kicker, and top passer. His defensive prowess and ability to control the team on both ends of the field, coupled with exemplary leadership, make him a standout player. The question remains whether Luai, with his unproven status as a team centerpiece, can justify a comparable financial investment.

In his junior career, Luai, a former halfback, was once regarded more highly than Cleary. However, his progress has been impeded by playing alongside the star halfback in the NRL.

While Luai possesses the potential to become the primary playmaker for the Tigers and excel in the various facets of the game where Cleary has excelled, the reality is that he has not yet demonstrated these capabilities. Additionally, he faces the challenge of joining a Tigers team that is not preconfigured for success, amplifying the task compared to Cleary, who operates in a more established and successful team.

The Tigers’ player quality is on the rise, particularly in the spine, with Luai’s former Panthers teammate Api Koroisau now serving as the hooker and captain of the club.

In addition, Jahream Bula is emerging as a standout at fullback, displaying considerable potential to evolve into one of the game’s premier fullbacks in the future, although he has not reached that level yet.

Nevertheless, it’s essential to acknowledge that the Tigers still face several gaps in their squad. Despite making quality signings before the 2023 season, the team secured back-to-back wooden spoons, underscoring the ongoing challenges in building a competitive and well-rounded roster.

Despite the additions of experienced players like Isaiah Papali’i, John Bateman, David Klemmer, and Koroisau intended to enhance the team’s pack, the Tigers failed to improve their ladder position in their debut season at the club.

There have even been reports of Klemmer being actively explored in the market in recent months. This indicates that the Tigers are open to the possibility of terminating his four-year deal after just one season, possibly to create flexibility in their salary cap space.

The team has successfully secured the services of international center Justin Olam, representing a significant achievement. His addition is crucial as he offers a strong attacking option on the edge, addressing a longstanding deficiency in the Tigers’ offensive capabilities.

Nevertheless, Craig Bellamy was open to parting ways with Olam, citing concerns about his occasional defensive lapses. This decision was influenced by the Tigers’ urgent need for improvement in defense, particularly on the edges where they have consistently conceded points.

While Olam’s addition may enhance their offensive capabilities, the question of whether he can contribute to strengthening their defensive system remains unanswered.

In securing Olam, the Tigers had to make a trade that involved parting ways with back-rower Shawn Blore. While Blore may not be considered world-class, he has been one of the few players consistently giving their best for the Tigers in recent seasons. Additionally, the team faces a challenge as there is no apparent replacement for Blore at the lock position.

The Tigers are facing uncertainty regarding David Nofoaluma’s future with the team, and injuries to Charlie Staines raise concerns about the squad’s ability to capitalize on try-scoring opportunities. Additionally, the identity of Olam’s center partner remains undetermined.

While generating opportunities is crucial, the Tigers must also ensure they have dynamic outside backs with the ability to consistently finish and score tries. The team’s success in converting opportunities into points relies heavily on the proficiency of their strike players in the backline.

With uncertainty surrounding Klemmer’s future, his front-row partner Stefano Utoikamanu has yet to fully realize his potential in first grade. It remains to be seen if he can effectively establish the groundwork for a championship-winning team.

However, aside from the financial considerations tied to Luai’s acquisition, the primary question is whether he can perform as a championship-winning halfback. If he continues in the five-eighth role, the crucial issue is identifying a suitable halves partner.

Given the significant investment in Luai, it’s likely he will assume the role of the primary playmaker for the Tigers, whether donning the No.7 or No.6 jersey. The challenge lies in determining the complementary player to partner with him in the halves.

However, considering the substantial investment in Koroisau and the anticipated need for Bula’s improvement in the future, the team may not have ample funds to pair Luai with another high-cost halfback.

The organization has recruited promising young players, such as Jayden Sullivan from the Dragons and Latu Fainu from Manly, in addition to experienced halfback Aidan Sezer. At 32 years old, Sezer probably has only one or two more seasons in him, making him an unlikely long-term halves partner for Luai. It is expected that they will play together for just one season at most.

Sullivan is poised to be the primary candidate to team up with Sezer in 2024, yet his previous 27 games with the Dragons did not showcase a strong ability to seize opportunities. The question remains whether the 22-year-old can develop into an elite playmaker in the NRL.

At the age of 18, Fainu holds the potential to become Luai’s enduring half-partner, but there’s a concern that their similarities may hinder their compatibility on the field.

Another viable option to pair with Luai is Adam Doueihi; however, he is currently unsigned beyond 2024 and is recovering from a prolonged injury that will sideline him for the initial months of the upcoming season. Doueihi was even made available for trade last year as the Tigers grappled with his persistent long-term injuries, despite his high salary.

The success of Luai in the Tigers’ halves remains uncertain, and crucial questions will only be answered when he takes charge in 2025, forming connections with his halves partner as well as the rest of the Tigers’ spine and team.

Even if the spine performs well, there’s a significant concern about whether Luai’s substantial contract will limit Marshall’s ability to address the remaining gaps in the roster. Despite a potential standout performance from Luai at halfback, Marshall must still address weaknesses in other areas to construct a successful and enduring roster.

In 2024, the Tigers have limited flexibility, with only six players coming off-contract, including Doueihi, Asu Kepaoa, Jake Simpkin, Junior Tupou (Dolphins), Sione Fainu, and Solomon Alaimalo reaching the end of their deals. The team needs to either recruit or develop players in key positions such as prop, lock, centre, wing, and either halfback or five-eighth, depending on Luai’s position.

However, with a significant portion of the salary cap allocated to Luai over the next five years, it remains uncertain whether Marshall has the financial resources and flexibility to address these roster gaps and elevate the team from its current NRL standing to a more competitive position.

**TIGERS SQUAD:**

**2024 squad:**
– Adam Doueihi (2024)
– Aidan Sezer (2024)
– Alex Twal (2027)
– Alex Seyfarth (2025)
– Apisai Koroisau (2026)
– Asu Kepaoa (2024)
– Brandon Tumeth (2024, PO 2025)
– Brent Naden (2025)
– David Klemmer (2025, MO 2026)
– David Nofoaluma (2025)
– Fonua Pole (2025)
– Isaiah Papali’i (2025)
– Jahream Bula (2026, MO 2027)
– Jake Simpkin (2024)
– Jayden Sullivan (2027)
– John Bateman (2026)
– Jordan Miller (2026)
– Josh Feledy (2025)
– Junior Tupou (2024)
– Justin Matamua (2025)
– Justin Olam (2026)
– Lachlan Galvin (2026)
– Latu Fainu (2027)
– Samuela Fainu (2027)
– Shawn Blore (2024)
– Sione Fainu (2024)
– Starford To’a (2026)
– Stefano Utoikamanu (2024, MO 2025)
– Tallyn Da Silva (2026)
– Charlie Staines (2025)

**Development players:**
– Alex Lobb (2025)
– Chris Fa’agutu (2025)
– Kit Laulilii (2025)
– Solomone Saukuru (2025)
– Tony Sukkar (2025)

**2024 gains:**
– Latu Fainu (Sea Eagles)
– Samuela Fainu (Sea Eagles)
– Jayden Sullivan (Dragons)
– Aidan Sezer (Leeds Rhinos)
– Solomon Alaimalo (Super Rugby)
– Solomona Faataape (Brisbane Tigers)
– Justin Olam (Storm)

**2024 losses:**
– Luke Brooks (Sea Eagles)
– Tommy Talau (Sea Eagles)
– Daine Laurie (Panthers)
– Aitasi James (Sea Eagles)
– Rua Ngatikaura (North Sydney Bears)
– Tuki Simpkins (Dolphins, train and trial)
– Brandon Wakeham (Blacktown Workers)
– Triston Reilly (released)
– Brandon Webster-Mansfield (released)
– Shawn Blore (Storm)

**2025 gains:**
– Jarome Luai (Panthers)

**2025 losses:**
– Junior Tupou (Dolphins)

**Coach:**
– Benji Marshall (2027)