‘Help them out’: The emotional reason behind rising star’s impending move to Perth

Wests Tigers rising star Luke Laulilii has opened up on his impending move to the Perth Bears, revealing that the decision was driven largely by family rather than football alone.

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While the chance to be part of a new expansion team is always an exciting opportunity, Laulilii admitted that the main reason for the move is to better support his family, who live in New South Wales.

Becoming the 13th player to commit to the Bears in January, he agreed to a two-year contract with them until the end of 2028.

Meanwhile, his older brother Kit, a member of the Tigers’ Top 30 roster, has also agreed to terms to join the club, but the club has yet to officially announce his signing.

“It’s a big change, but mainly (did the move) for my family,” Luke, the younger of the two siblings, told foxsports.com.au.

“I’ve just got to do what’s best not only for me but my family as well and help them out.

“(But) I’ve got to finish a job and that’s with the Tigers right now. I’m looking forward to that, but my headspace is here now.”

A talented junior coming through the ranks, the outside back was named in various representative squads, including the Under-16s City, Under-18s City, and 2023 Australian Schoolboys team.

Having played 14 NRL matches to date with the Tigers, he is also a former Under-17s Harold Matthews Cup captain for the Western Suburbs Magpies.

And was part of the famed Westfields Sports High School team that won the NRL Schoolboy Cup alongside Blaize Talagi and Sam Tuivaiti - two friends he still regularly keeps in touch with.

The team also included Lachlan Galvin, Tallyn Da Silva and Will Craig.

“A hundred per cent (it’s surreal we’re all paying in the NRL) at such a young age as well and to see the boys do it as well,” he added.

“When I seen my brother, I told him I thought I could do it as well, so it’s pretty surreal seeing not just me but my mates achieving their dreams as well.

“It’s a bit hard (to catch up with all of them) because different teams but I caught up with Sammy and Blaize recently.”

Fully focused on helping the Tigers make the final for the first time in over 15 years, Laulii is coming off arguably his best match for the club against the Canberra Raiders at Leichhardt Oval.

Returning to the line-up, he scored two tries, made 148 running metres of 19 carries, made four tackle breaks, one line-break and had one of the most complete performances of his career at any level.

“I’ve been itching to come back and do a job for the boys,” Laulilii continued.

“I feel like the best training is when you’re playing. The 80 minutes you’re playing, so I’m just trying to be a sponge to everyone and just pick everyone’s brain.

“Especially having the mentality that Romey [Jarome Luai] and Tito [Sunia Turuva] bring to training. Just winning day by day and not focusing on game day, four days ahead so big up’s to them.

“They’ve really brought a change to this team.”

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