Wests Tigers recruit Jarome Luai admits he was shocked Ivan Cleary said it would be risky for an NRL rival to pay him big money to become a game-managing playmaker.
But understanding the Penrith coach's line of thinking, the five-eighth has reaffirmed his commitment to the Panthers for 2024, saying an earlier exit was never on the cards.
This off-season's most highly publicised trade saga came to an end on Wednesday when Luai called a press conference to announce he would join the Tigers on a five-year deal from 2025.
When it became clear Penrith could not offer Luai a seven-figure salary, the Tigers and Canterbury entered a battle for the three-time premiership-winning five-eighth's services.
Months of speculation followed as the Panthers fought to keep Luai in-house, hoping the chance to hunt more success with his mates would entice him into staying put.
In November, Cleary weighed in to remind rival clubs that Luai was untested as a week-in, week-out NRL game manager, having predominantly played second fiddle to the coach's son Nathan.
"It did shock me a bit," Luai said of Cleary's comments on Wednesday.
"But he's not lying.
"It is motivating. I think anyone saying ill about me motivates me.
"I've always had that edge and that chip on my shoulder. I've always been that kind of kid to prove people wrong."
The chance to do just that will come in 2025 when Luai is tasked with helping revitalise a Tigers side that has not played finals since 2011.
In the meantime, Luai has confirmed he will return to Penrith training on Thursday, having taken a week off before Christmas as news of his move from the Panthers became public.
"I don't want to go into detail about it, but it's been a tough process," Luai said of the decision to take a break from training.
"I've had to move away from my home and just think about that."
A Penrith junior, Luai made his NRL debut with the Panthers in 2018 and has been a cornerstone of their transformation into a rugby league powerhouse.
Luai insisted the Panthers had his commitment for the upcoming season, when the side will hunt a historic fourth consecutive premiership, and that an early move was never considered.
"Nah, man," he said.
"I've got so much respect for my club and too much love for my home town.
"I can't wait for this year, hopefully we can do something special and make it a fourth year.
"I love the club, I love the place, it'll always have a spot in my heart."
The Panthers addressed the situation in a statement released on Wednesday.
"As publicly stated previously, the club believes that as a three-time premiership player and international representative, Jarome has earnt the right to explore the open market," it read.
"Although the club is disappointed by the outcome, it respects Jarome's choice."
