Jarome Luai is off to Papua New Guinea.
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According to Code Sports, the Wests Tigers co-captain has reportedly agreed to join the NRL’s next expansion team from 2028 in a huge coup for general manager Michael Chammas.
Luai will trigger the option in his current contract with the Tigers for next year, meaning he will remain at the club for the remainder of this season and 2027 before heading to PNG.
It is a big blow for the Tigers, who sit in third place on the ladder and are enjoying a resurgence under coach Benji Marshall and Luai’s leadership.
Luai will front the media on Wednesday to explain the decision.
The Tigers five-eighth met with PNG officials and Prime Minister James Marape on the weekend and had until Thursday to make a final decision on the option in his Tigers contract.
The Chiefs have been able to offer players, including Luai, tax-free salaries in a move that will help the NRL’s soon-to-be newest franchise attract big-name players to make the move.
“The other big factor we can’t ignore is the money. By going there, even if they pay him what he’s on at the Tigers, he’s going to earn in his hand an extra $1 million over two years because it’s tax free money,” The Daily Telegraph’s Brent Read reported on ‘NRL 360’ on Monday evening.
“The money is ridiculous. Aside from the contract money, there are third party deals over there which is all tax free as well. He would instantly become the highest-paid player in rugby league.”
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Now that Luai is on board, the Chiefs have a marquee name to build around and use as a selling point to attract future recruits and they have already had further success on that front.
It was revealed earlier on Tuesday that South Sydney flyer Alex Johnston was also making the move to PNG ahead of their inaugural season in 2028.
Prime Minister Marape said in an official press statement that Luai’s visit to PNG over the weekend sent a “message” that rugby league’s future in the country was “bright”.
“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,” the Prime Minister said.
“On behalf of the people and Government of Papua New Guinea, I welcome him and his family to our country.
“To be the first high-profile player to come and show interest in our team is something we deeply appreciate.
“It sends a message that Papua New Guinea is ready, rugby league is strong here, and our future in the NRL is bright.”
While disappointing news for Tigers fans, Luai still has another two years with the club and given the trajectory they are on there is still a possibility he could deliver a premiership before he leaves for PNG.
Meanwhile, the Tigers also have 2025 State of Origin U19s Player of the Match Javon Andrews waiting in the wings as a potential replacement.
Jock Madden also impressed in Luai’s absence earlier this year and is contracted until the end of 2027.
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