Jarome Luai has been spotted in Papua New Guinea meeting with Chiefs officials, suggesting he’s well on his way to becoming the new NRL club’s first major signing as it looks to build a star-studded expansion roster quickly.
The Wests Tigers captain was spotted in Port Moresby on Sunday by fans and media alike, watching a rugby league game where he was serenaded by the crowd. He happily posed for photos with fans and sat next to PNG Prime Minister James Marape.
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The Daily Telegraph has reported that the Tigers knew Luai would be leaving the country over the weekend and gave him their blessing. Whether they knew he was meeting with PNG brass is less clear, at this stage.
Luai, 29, has an option in his favour each year where he can decide whether he stays at the Tigers. The next get-out clause would need to be activated by this Thursday, should he want to leave immediately.
PNG’s PM has since suggested he may be signing with their new club: “To be the first high-profile player to come and show interest in our team is something we deeply appreciate,” Marape told local media after their appearance together. “It sends a message that Papua New Guinea is ready, rugby league is strong here, and our future in the NRL is bright.”
The most likely scenario from here, The Sporting Base understands, is that Luai this week activates this clause to stay at the Tigers for 2027, but tells the club that he’s going to sign with Papua New Guinea from 2028 onward.
The expansion club starts in the NRL that same season, and could build its fresh roster around the four-time champion.
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Right now, Luai is making ~$1.2 million a season with the Tigers, but because any PNG Chiefs player can make a tax-free salary, he could easily earn as much as $2 million a season and take it all home.
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His signing would be the first scalp for the Chiefs’ head of football, Michael Chammas, coach Willie Peters and head of recruitment, Liam Ayoub. Should he decide to stay at the Tigers long-term, he’s signed through to 2029 with those options.
Also in recruitment, the Chiefs have spoken to Alex Johnston and Connor Watson, both in free agency.
