Papua New Guinea’s prime minister has declared that Jarome Luai’s visit to Port Moresby ‘sends a message’ that the nation’s NRL team is ready to hit the ground running.
The Wests Tigers playmaker was pictured in the PNG capital on Sunday, where he held a secret meeting with PNG Chiefs officials and watched a game of the domestic national competition, the Digicel Cup.
‘To be the first high-profile player to come and show interest in our team is something we deeply appreciate,’ the PNG prime minister told local media.
‘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 signed to the Tigers until the end of 2029 but has exit clauses in a deal, believed to be worth $1.2million a season, which allow him to depart early.
If Luai stays at the Tigers, he’ll likely sacrifice about $500,000 a season because he’ll pay taxes.
Wests Tigers star Jarome Luai (pictured with partner Bailey) could be the first major signing for the PNG Chiefs
Luai (right, with former teammate Brian To’o) could earn at least $500,000 a season more at the Chiefs due to tax breaks
Luai’s move to PNG could set up his family for life
The four-time premiership winner has until Thursday to indicate to the Tigers if he will remain with the club in 2027.
That appears a formality given the Tigers’ 5-2 start to the season, but the real intrigue begins when the PNG Chiefs enter the NRL in 2028.
Luai could massively increase his pay packet with the tax-free status afforded to NRL players as well as boost his earnings through third-party arrangements in a rugby league-obsessed country such as PNG.
‘At this stage, there is nothing formal or concrete. Jarome remains contracted to the Wests Tigers, and we fully respect his current obligations,’ Marape said.
‘We are a nation that honours due process, and we respect clubs, contracts, and the professionalism of the game.’
Marape also thanked Tigers coach Benji Marshall for allowing Luai to make the flying visit to Port Moresby.
One fan said online that they understood why Luai was considering going to the Chiefs.
‘He wants to look after his family’s long-term future. Anyone in their right mind would have a look. But Wests only have themselves to blame with all these clauses in his contract,’ they said.
The Chiefs, who will be led by Hull KR coach Willie Peters, have yet to sign a player for their maiden season but have been linked to Sydney Roosters and NSW State of Origin utility Connor Watson.
