Jarome Luai did not attend the Wests Tigers end-of-season awards night. His stint with the club ended after the event. Reports describe the situation as a controversial chapter. At the ceremony, Wests Tigers players Twal and McGregor took home top honours.

Luai has signed a tax-exempt sponsorship deal with PNG-based company Trukai. The recent deal is estimated at $2.2 million per season. Luai departed the club after skipping the awards night. The sponsorship gives him a new setup while his Tigers exit draws criticism.