Jarome Luai, a halfback for the Wests Tigers, was recently seen in Papua New Guinea as the PNG Chiefs aim to sign him as their marquee player. Luai’s current contract with the Tigers runs until the end of 2029, valued at $1.2 million annually, though it includes a yearly option for him to remain with the club.
Danny Weidler from Nine reported that Luai toured Port Moresby alongside the Chiefs’ CEO, Lorna McPherson, and general manager, Michael Chammas. Footage showed Luai at the Sir John Guise Stadium, enjoying a match during the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup double-header, where he waved at fans amidst Chammas’s presence.
The Sydney Morning Herald noted that Luai has until April 30 to decide whether to exercise his option to remain with the Tigers for the next season, while the Chiefs won’t start competing until 2028. Should Luai transfer to the Chiefs, he would effectively have spent only three years at the Tigers under his five-year contract.
Former Tigers’ CEO Shane Richardson mentioned that Luai had expressed a desire to join the club primarily for the chance to win premiership rings. The Chiefs are yet to sign any players, although it’s anticipated that representative player Alex Johnston from the Kumuls will be among their initial signings.
Additionally, Toby Rudolf has shown interest in joining PNG and is currently off-contract for this season. The prospect of tax-free contracts is likely to appeal to several players in the NRL, including Broncos lock Patrick Carrigan, who has not ruled out a potential move in the future.