Wests Tigers playmaker and co-captain Jarome Luai has agreed to join the NRL's expansion franchise, the PNG Chiefs, starting in 2028 [1].
This move represents a significant boost for the new franchise's ability to attract elite talent and establishes the league's footprint in Papua New Guinea. It signals a move toward internationalization of the NRL's elite level of play.
Luai's agreement is a financial powerhouse. The deal is valued at $1.2 million per season, tax-free [2]. This high-value contract reflects the same level of ambition as the PNG Chiefs' goal to be competitive immediately upon entry into the league.
According to reports, Luai has informed his teammates at the Wests Tigers that he will move to the expansion franchise after next season [3]. While some sources describe him as the club's captain, others identify him as a playmaker and co-captain [4, 5].
James Marape, representing the PNG Chiefs, said, "It sends a message that Papua New Guinea is ready, rugby league is strong here, and our future in the NRL is bright."
Luai is expected to become the face of the club's brand in Papua New Guinea, where rugby league is the national sport. The move is a major coup for the PNG Chiefs as they build their roster for their 2028 entry into the NRL.
“Wests Tigers playmaker and co-captain Jarome Luai has agreed to join the PNG Chiefs starting in 2028.”
The signing of a high-profile player like Jarome Luai is a strategic move by the PNG Chiefs to ensure immediate visibility and the league's commercial viability in the Pacific. By securing a top-tier playmaker, the expansion team is not only filling a critical tactical role but also creating a high-profile anchor for their brand identity in a region where rugby league is culturally dominant.
