NRL star Jarome Luai’s visit to Papua New Guinea mid-season sparks PNG Chiefs rumours
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has welcomed NRL star Jarome Luai to Port Moresby, as reports link the Wests Tigers five-eighth to talks with officials connected to PNG’s upcoming NRL team.
Reports suggest Luai was in Port Moresby to meet officials connected to the Papua New Guinea Chiefs, expected to enter the NRL in 2028, and was hosted by general manager Michael Chammas and CEO Lorna Mcpherson.
Mr Marape said the country was honoured to host a player regarded as one of the top talents in the National Rugby League competition.
“To have a player of Jarome Luai’s calibre visit our country, experience our culture, meet our people, and see what Papua New Guinea has to offer is heartwarming for our nation,” Mr Marape said.
“On behalf of the people and Government of Papua New Guinea, I welcome him and his family to our country.”
Luai, who was born in Sydney and is of Samoan and Maori heritage, came through the Penrith Panthers before becoming a key figure in the club’s momentous premiership run.
He won four NRL titles with Penrith and built a reputation as one of the competition’s leading five-eighths.
He has also represented Samoa, debuting for the national squad at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup before starting in the NRL.
He helped drive Toa Samoa’s historic run to the 2022 Rugby League World Cup final, captained the team’s UK tour in 2024 and co-captained last year’s Pacific Championship squad.
In 2025, Luai joined the Wests Tigers on a long-term deal in one of the NRL’s highest-profile signings and co-captained the team alongside hooker Apisai Koroisau.
Since Luai’s arrival last season, the Tigers have risen to the top four this year.
‘Nothing formal or concrete’
Mr Marape said speculation about recruitment should not override contractual and professional requirements.
“At this stage, there is nothing formal or concrete. Jarome remains contracted to the Wests Tigers, and we fully respect his current obligations,” he said.
“We are a nation that honours due process, and we respect clubs, contracts, and the professionalism of the game.”
He also thanked Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall and the club for allowing Luai to visit during the season.
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Luai is currently signed to the Tigers until the end of 2029 on a $1.2 million-a-season deal, but has a yearly option in his favour to depart early.
His deadline to choose to remain at the Tigers until the end of the 2027 season is April 30. In order to take advantage of his free agency deal, he would need to sign with the Chiefs for the 2028 season beforehand.
Landing Luai would be a significant signing for the new team and PNG’s rugby league fans.
“Rugby league is more than a game in our country. It is a force that unites people from hundreds of languages, cultures, and provinces into one nation,” Mr Marape said.
“That is why our new NRL team is so important. It represents national unity, opportunity for youth, and a proud future for Papua New Guinea in the region.”
He said PNG’s new franchise would also look to represent the wider Pacific.
“We are a Pacific nation, and this team will reflect Pacific values: family, hospitality, respect, togetherness, and shared identity,” he said.
Luai and his family attended local rugby league matches during the visit, and Mr Marape said Luai’s visit was an encouraging sign for PNG’s bid to establish a successful NRL club ahead of the planned 2028 entry.
“To be the first high-profile player to come and show interest in our team is something we deeply appreciate,” he said.
“It sends a message that Papua New Guinea is ready, rugby league is strong here, and our future in the NRL is bright.”
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