Eels Coach Jason Ryles Defends Jarome Luai's One-Season Signing

Eels coach Jason Ryles says the club made the right move in signing Jarome Luai for one season.

Wests Tigers released Luai to give their younger halves opportunities in first grade.

Luai will join the PNG Chiefs as the marquee signing in 2028.

Parramatta coach Jason Ryles says he is unapologetic about agreeing to Jarome Luai's one-season stopover at the Eels.

Luai, who is the PNG Chiefs' marquee recruit for 2028, last week signed with the Eels for next season.

A four-time premiership winner with the Panthers, Luai was released by Wests Tigers, which want to give their younger halves opportunities in first grade.

Ryles said he had no concerns Luai's arrival would discourage Parramatta's halves prospects.

He said signing Luai was a win for the 15th-placed Eels' stable of younger halves options, which includes Joash Papalii, Lincoln Fletcher and Lorenzo Talataina.

"We're sitting in a spot on the ladder that we don't want to be," Ryles said.

"It's no-one's fault directly but we need more experienced players. Jarome fits that bill at the moment.

"We have got younger players that are coming through our pathways and our system that may be ready in 12 months.

"But this gives them an extra bit of time to … learn off a true pro that's won a lot of premierships."

Amid a season of injury concerns for the Eels, centre Will Penisini could return from osteitis pubis via reserve grade this weekend.

Ryles said he was hopeful veteran prop Junior Paulo and outside back Bailey Simonsson would be back from their long-term injuries in "the next one or two weeks".