Jarome Luai delivered a memorable farewell performance at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday, scoring three second-half tries to lead the Wests Tigers to a hard-fought victory over the Gold Coast Titans. The match marked the final game at the iconic stadium before it closes for renovation until 2027, drawing a crowd of 17,773 supporters on a stormy afternoon.

The Tigers appeared poised for a comfortable win after establishing a 12-0 lead in the opening 30 minutes. However, the Titans, inspired by fullback Keano Kini, mounted a strong comeback, rattling off 24 unanswered points that stunned the home crowd. Kini, who recently made headlines with a match-winning performance against the Brisbane Broncos, was instrumental in the Titans’ revival, contributing a try assist and amassing 316 running metres.

Facing a 24-12 deficit, the Tigers found their spark in Luai, who responded emphatically despite lingering questions about his commitment amid plans to join the PNG Hunters next season. In the 47th minute, Luai initiated the Tigers’ resurgence with a try following a clever wrap-around play involving teammate Adam Doueihi. Shortly after, Alex Seyfarth reinvigorated the stadium by breaking through multiple defenders to score beneath the posts, leveling the score at 24-all. Although Titans winger Phil Sami soon regained a lead with a try in the 60th minute, the Tigers faithful remained vocal and hopeful.

Luai clinched the comeback victory eleven minutes later when he capitalized on an errant pass from Jahream Bula, which the Titans knocked into their in-goal area. Seyfarth’s committed performance throughout the match earned him deserved recognition, with his tireless work rate culminating in a vital try. Despite limited flair, the local junior demonstrated significant heart in both attack and defence.

The win, while a cause for celebration, was tempered by concern over a pectoral injury sustained by standout backrower Kai Pearce Paul. The English international has been integral to the Tigers’ efforts this season, and his potential absence adds to a list of sidelined players that includes Adam Doueihi, Alex Twal, and Samuela Fainu.

As Luai prepares to depart Wests Tigers at the conclusion of the next season and likely represents Papua New Guinea in future fixtures, his impactful performance served as a fitting send-off at Leichhardt Oval, a venue steeped in community history and rugby league heritage.