Jarome Luai will move straight into a leadership role with the Wests Tigers after being announced as one of the club's co-captains for 2025.
A four-time premiership winner with Penrith, the 28-year-old has inked a long-term deal with the joint venture and joins Api Koroisau as a captain for the upcoming season.
In a statement released on Wednesday afternoon, Luai expressed his gratitude towards his new club for giving him the responsibility straight out of the gates.
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Jarome Luai in his new Wests Tigers colours. Â Wests Tigers
"Being named captain of the Tigers with Api is an honour I don't take lightly," he said.
"Api has set an incredible standard as a leader, and I'm excited to work alongside him again and contribute to building something special here.
"I am grateful to the coaching staff for giving me this opportunity and I want to make my family, the team, our members and sponsors proud."
Luai enjoyed a career-best season with the Panthers in 2024, stepping up in Nathan Cleary's absence and steering the side around the park.
The playmaker will now become the main man at the Tigers in a role that head coach Benji Marshall thinks he can relish in the long-term.
Tigers coach Benji Marshall. Getty
"Api has been a phenomenal leader for this club over the past two years, and his respect within the team is second to none," Marshall said.
"Adding Jarome's passion and creativity to our leadership structure makes this partnership really exciting. Together, they bring a balance of stability and flair that will drive our team forward in 2025."
Luai and Koroisau previously played together at the Panthers.
The side kicks off its campaign against the Knights on March 7.
