Benji Marshall defends Jarome Luai following trip to Port Moresby

Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall has dismissed criticism surrounding Jarome Luai's recent travel to Port Moresby. The five-eighth visited the city for personal commitments on the day after the club's loss to North Queensland, despite suffering a leg injury during the match. Marshall noted that Luai is using his personal time and that the player paid for his own travel arrangements. This weekend's game against the Penrith Panthers will be the final match of Luai's tenure at the Wests Tigers. The club and Luai have mutually agreed to terminate his contract one year early, allowing him to join Parramatta for the upcoming season before transitioning to the PNG Chiefs in 2028. Marshall praised the impact Luai had on the club's training standards and recruitment during his two-year stint.

• 4:42 AMZero Tackle NRL — Benji Marshall speaks on success of Luai signing and PNG trip criticism