Skipper Jarome Luai leads the Leichhardt party
Margie McDonald |
Admitting criticism of his signing with the PNG Chiefs had affected him, Wests Tigers skipper Jarome Luai has provided the perfect response with a hat-trick in his side’s 36-28 win over Gold Coast at Leichhardt Oval.
Last month’s announcement the Samoan international was the Chiefs’ first signing ahead of their arrival in the NRL in 2028 preceded a loss of form for the Tigers, sparking claims from some that the news had become a distraction.
The joint venture club had won only one of their previous five games before facing the Titans, including a last-start record 68-0 thrashing from Penrith.
“When you lose it (the criticism) affects you … it did to be honest,” Luai said.
“But (coach Benji Marshall) sat me down one day and said just wipe all of that – they (team-mates) love you for who I am.
“They need me to bring my best. This is going to be the start of that, so I’m looking forward to next week.”
Marshall knew what his halfback had been through and said Sunday’s performance was a credit to his resilience.
“A lot has been made of his decision to go to PNG and that falling on him,” Marshall said.
“So write how he brought us back tonight because everyone wrote how that changed our season.”
Wests Tigers needed to respond after their humiliation against the Panthers, and they did from the outset.
It was in fact a double celebration. Not only did the Tigers restore pride in the jersey, they farewelled their beloved Leichhardt Oval in style as it shuts down for 18 months of renovations.
The ground has been the tribal home of Balmain and Wests Tigers since 1934 but is due to reopen for NRL games in 2028.
Tigers tries to Starford To’a and Taylan May put the home side up 12-0 after 25 minutes.
But the brilliance of Titans No.1 Keano Kini started to shine, especially when busting tackles up the middle or in his support play.
He was heavily involved in three quick Gold Coast tries as halftime neared, to Jayden Campbell, Kurtis Morrin and Arama Hau, for the visitors to take an 18-12 lead into the sheds.
Despite showers hitting Leichhardt Oval to start the second half, the Titans were not bothered.
A Zane Harrison short pass put Beau Fermor over for this side’s fourth try, making it 24 unanswered points.
Luai hit back with a fine individual try and forward Alex Seyfarth scored under the posts to lock up scores at 24-all with 25 minutes to play.
The Titans crossed again through winger Phillip Sami but with the 18,000-strong crowd on the edge of their seats, Luai scored his third to send the party into full swing.
It wasn’t all good news for Marshall’s men.
As if they didn’t have enough injuries already they added another in England back rower Kai Pearce-Paul with a left pectoral strain. Scans will determine how long he is on the sidelines.
AAP