Star speaks on Wests Tigers future, Jahream Bula, Benji Marshall

“I’ve always had high expectations for myself, I’ve had a pretty good success rate over the years and we haven’t made the final,” says Luai.

“It was probably a twist on a personal level. As a winner, as a competitor, I always want to be in that framework to compete for the championship. I can’t say it’s not an achievement until we get there, but we’re building something special here.”

The Tigers finished below Luai’s usual spot, but Luai has no regrets about his decision to join the JV team.

“There will be ups and downs, and it’s all part of this journey,” he says. “The important thing is to embrace it, find little ways to be better and help the people around you get better. I’ve been here before, bro, so I know what it takes.”

It’s no secret that Luai has a clause in his five-year, $6 million contract that, if activated, could result in him leaving the team at the end of next season.

Asked how long he wants to play for the Tigers, Luai says: “Until I’m done. I’ve always said that and I hope I’ve shown that with my actions and how I’ve played this year.”

Luai hopes that his teammate Jahream Bula, another member of the Tigers backbone who has a clause in his contract, will also be in the team in the long term.

“Yes sir, absolutely,” Luai says. He’s a big part of this club, we love him here and I love playing alongside him. “His future is in his hands but if you ask everyone here, they love playing with Reamy, so hopefully we can lock them in… He’s got everything – athletic, young, a great head on his shoulders, he works hard.

“And you can tell he loves the game and the way he plays, so hopefully we can continue to develop that combination and find ways to make it better. It’s my job and my responsibility to get him some balls. It’s a sight to see.”

The Tigers have a formidable backbone with Luai at number eight, Bula at full-back and Apisai Koroisau at hooker. Coach Benji Marshall has not decided on a partner in the halves since Lachlan Galvin’s acrimonious departure, but Luai has high hopes for youngster Latu Fainu.

“I spoke highly of him last year,” he says. “With injuries and things like that, a little bit of luck has to work out, I know he’s bounced back from another injury, so if my brother can stay healthy, I’m sure he’ll be one of the best in the league.”

Next season will also be decisive for Marshall. Having won the wooden spoon in its first year in charge, the club has improved in its second year and the expectation is now for the Tigers to make their first finals series since 2011.

Luai has no doubt that Marshall is the man who will take the club forward.

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“Benji is up there with every coach I’ve ever had,” he says.

“He’s played the game in the modern era, so he understands that. He understands what the players go through on a daily basis, and I think that’s kind of what separates him from some of the other coaches.”

“Of course he was my idol, but put that aside. He’s a great NRL coach and I definitely think he’s the man to take this club to the promised land.”