Parramatta coach Jason Ryles has refused to rule out a move for Jarome Luai, with the Eels potentially able to offer the experienced playmaker a one-season contract before he joins the PNG Chiefs in 2028.
Luai has become available for the 2027 NRL season after the Wests Tigers agreed to release him from the final year of his contract.
The development has prompted speculation that Parramatta could recruit the representative five-eighth as a short-term partner for Mitchell Moses and use his experience to support the club’s highly rated young playmakers.
Ryles did not confirm whether formal negotiations had started, but said he would discuss the situation with the appropriate officials at the club.
Speaking after Parramatta’s defeat to the Sydney Roosters, the coach said his immediate focus remained on the match rather than recruitment.
However, he made it clear the Eels were willing and financially capable of pursuing leading players when suitable opportunities emerged.
Ryles said Parramatta had developed a clear long-term recruitment strategy and would consider any elite footballer capable of improving the team.
The Eels are searching for the right player to complement Moses in the halves, with Luai viewed as a potentially strong option because of their previous partnership for New South Wales.
When asked whether a Moses-Luai combination could improve Parramatta’s attack in 2027, Ryles acknowledged that it could.
Luai’s creativity, premiership experience and ability to perform in high-pressure matches could provide valuable support to an Eels spine containing several developing players.
Moses remains contracted to Parramatta for the long term, while fullback Isaiah Iongi and hooker Tallyn Da Silva have also committed their futures to the club.
Young utility Ryley Smith has received an extension, and the Eels are continuing discussions with other emerging players as they attempt to establish a squad capable of achieving sustained success.
Ryles said the club’s recruitment decisions were being made with the future in mind rather than as isolated short-term moves.
He explained that Parramatta would remain interested whenever an elite player became available, whether that player was Luai or another high-profile recruit.
The possible structure of a Luai agreement would resemble the arrangement Parramatta made with Jonah Pezet.
Pezet joined the Eels on a one-year deal for the current season before his scheduled move to Brisbane in 2027.
A similar contract could allow Luai to spend the 2027 season at Parramatta before beginning his commitment as the PNG Chiefs’ marquee player the following year.
Although such an agreement would be temporary, Luai could still have a major influence on the development of Parramatta’s next generation.
Young half Lorenzo Talataina is considered one of the club’s most promising prospects, but remains inexperienced and is expected to require more time in the lower grades before becoming a regular NRL player.
The Eels also have other talented young halves coming through their development system, but Ryles warned against rushing them into first grade before they are ready.
The coach said it was impossible to predict whether Parramatta’s emerging playmakers would be prepared to take control of the team as early as next season.
He noted that young halves across the competition generally need significant match experience, training and development before they can consistently perform at NRL level.
Ryles pointed to Iongi’s time in the Penrith system as an example of the value of patience.
Before becoming Parramatta’s first-choice fullback, Iongi played about 60 NSW Cup matches while developing behind Penrith champion Dylan Edwards.
That experience gave him the opportunity to learn within one of the NRL’s most successful systems without being pushed into first grade too quickly.
Ryles said Iongi had made considerable progress but still had significant room for improvement, illustrating how long the development process can take even for highly talented players.
Luai could perform a similar mentoring role for Parramatta’s young halves.
Having won premierships, represented New South Wales and played international football, he could teach emerging players about game management, preparation, communication and handling pressure.
His presence could also allow Talataina and other prospects to continue developing in reserve grade before potentially taking greater responsibility in 2028.
Luai has already demonstrated that he can combine effectively with Moses at representative level, giving Parramatta another reason to consider the move.
The pair’s contrasting playing styles could offer balance, with Moses providing organisation and kicking while Luai contributes creativity, running ability and unpredictability.
Parramatta’s interest would also reflect the club’s desire to surround its younger spine players with experienced performers.
Ryles has repeatedly emphasised that the Eels are building around a long-term core rather than pursuing quick fixes.
However, a one-year deal for an established player could support that strategy by improving the team immediately while preparing younger footballers for future roles.
The coach stopped short of making any commitment, saying the club would evaluate the situation before deciding whether to proceed.
His refusal to close the door ensures speculation over Luai’s future will continue as Parramatta considers how best to strengthen its halves for the 2027 season.
