Jarome Luai did not attend the Wests Tigers end-of-season awards night. His stint with the club came to an end after the event. Reports describe the situation as a controversial chapter. During the event, Wests Tigers players Twal and McGregor won major awards.

Luai has secured a tax-exempt sponsorship deal with PNG-based company Trukai. The recent deal is estimated at $2.2 million per season. Luai left the club after not attending the awards night. The sponsorship provides him with a new arrangement while his Tigers exit draws criticism.