**Nathan Cleary Joins Luai Jerome at Wests Tigers for 2025 NRL Season**
In a blockbuster move that has sent shockwaves through the rugby league world, Nathan Cleary has officially joined his former Penrith Panthers halves partner, Luai Jerome, at the Wests Tigers for the 2025 NRL season. This unexpected development reunites one of the most dynamic halves pairings in recent NRL history, and fans are eager to see how their partnership will reignite under a new banner.
Cleary’s move to the Tigers comes after months of speculation regarding his future at the Panthers. As the captain and architect of Penrith’s three consecutive premierships between 2021 and 2023, Cleary was synonymous with the club’s dominance in the NRL. However, the opportunity to rejoin Luai and take on a fresh challenge with the rebuilding Tigers proved too tempting to resist.
The Wests Tigers, under the leadership of coach Benji Marshall, have been aggressively recruiting star players to transform their fortunes after a challenging period. Luai’s arrival at the club in 2024 was the first major step, and now, with Cleary on board, the Tigers’ spine has become one of the most formidable in the competition. The duo’s chemistry, forged over years at Penrith and in State of Origin, promises to bring attacking flair and tactical brilliance to the Tigers.
Cleary expressed his excitement about the move, saying, “Joining the Tigers and linking up with Luai again is an exciting new chapter for me. We’ve achieved so much together in the past, and I believe we can bring that winning mentality to this club. Benji’s vision for the Tigers is something I want to be a part of.”
Jerome Luai also welcomed the reunion, stating, “Having Nath here is massive for us. We’ve always pushed each other to be better, and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve in Tigers colors.”
The addition of Cleary and Luai solidifies the Tigers’ intent to climb back into NRL contention. Their leadership and playmaking abilities could be the spark needed to rejuvenate a club that has struggled in recent years. With pre-season preparations already underway, fans and pundits alike will be closely watching how Cleary and Luai adapt to their new environment and if they can replicate the success they enjoyed at Penrith.
For the Tigers, the 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated in their history, with the Cleary-Luai partnership as the centerpiece of their resurgence.
