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Jarome Luai Signs with Papua New Guinea Chiefs for 2028 NRL Season

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Wests Tigers Co-Captain Jarome Luai to Join PNG Chiefs in 2028

Jarome Luai has agreed to join the Papua New Guinea Chiefs, the NRL's 19th franchise, for their inaugural season in 2028, with a reported contract of approximately A$1.2 million per season — tax-free under PNG law.

The signing was confirmed after Luai visited Port Moresby and met with club officials and the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea. South Sydney winger Alex Johnston has also signed a one-year deal with the Chiefs for 2028.

Contract Details

Luai's reported contract is for the 2028 season onward, with terms of approximately A$1.2 million per season. Due to Papua New Guinea's tax laws, salaries for Chiefs players are tax-free, which increases Luai's net take-home pay compared to a taxed salary at an Australian club. The tax-free status has been confirmed by the Australian and PNG governments and is planned to remain in place.

Luai activated a clause in his existing Wests Tigers contract to extend his stay through the 2027 season before departing for the Chiefs. The deadline for Luai to exercise this option was Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Player Movements

  • Jarome Luai: Will remain with the Wests Tigers for the 2026 and 2027 seasons, then join the PNG Chiefs.
  • Alex Johnston: South Sydney winger, has signed a one-year deal with the Chiefs for the 2028 season.
  • Cameron McInnes: Cronulla Sharks captain, off-contract after 2026, has expressed interest in being a foundation player for an expansion club.
  • Xavier Coates: Melbourne Storm winger, born in Port Moresby and a PNG international, has been linked to the Chiefs.
  • Jack Williams: Parramatta Eels forward, reportedly targeted by the Chiefs for 2028.
  • Lachlan Lam: Leigh Leopards (Super League) player and PNG international, proposed as a potential halves partner for Luai.

Potential Future Targets

Multiple Penrith Panthers players have been identified as potential targets for the Chiefs, including Brian To'o, Isaah Yeo, Nathan Cleary, Liam Martin, Mitch Kenny, and Moses Leota. Several of these players are off-contract and can negotiate with other clubs from November 1.

  • Isaah Yeo: Has stated he is open-minded about testing the open market while preferring to remain a one-club player.
  • Liam Martin: Has indicated he intends to explore free agency and has not ruled out joining the Chiefs.
  • Brian To'o: Has stated he will focus on performance and leave contract talks to his manager.

Other players linked to the Chiefs include Connor Watson (Sydney Roosters), Joseph Manu, and former Penrith teammates Terrell May, Taylan May, Sunia Turuva, and Matt Burton.

Recruitment and Roster Building

The PNG Chiefs are expected to offer Luai a role in building the team's roster. Media commentators have noted that Luai's ties to former Penrith Panthers teammates and current Wests Tigers players could influence their decisions. The Chiefs' general manager, Michael Chammas, stated the club aims to build a roster capable of reaching the finals in its first season.

The Chiefs, to be led by coach Willie Peters (currently at Hull KR), have not yet signed players beyond Luai and Johnston but are in the process of assembling a squad.

Financial and Competitive Dynamics

The tax-free status of Chiefs players' salaries has generated discussion among NRL club officials and commentators. Some officials have expressed concern that this creates a competitive advantage, as the Chiefs can offer higher net pay while using less salary cap space than Australian clubs.

Existing NRL clubs received A$4 million over five years from the league to support the expansion. The ARL Commission has confirmed the tax-free arrangement for Chiefs players. Commentator Phil Gould predicted that third-party offers for Chiefs players would be "absolutely endless."

The Chiefs have faced logistical challenges, including player housing (planned at Airways Hotel and Residences in Port Moresby) and health considerations (e.g., malaria risk). The team has government backing from Australia and Papua New Guinea.

Wests Tigers Impact

"Luai's decision to leave the Tigers after 2027 has been addressed by club officials. Interim CEO Shaun Mielekamp praised Luai's professionalism and communication."

Head Coach Benji Marshall acknowledged Luai's role in the team's direction and respected his decision.

The Tigers have resumed contract negotiations with prop Terrell May following Luai's announcement. The club will have salary cap space from 2028 when Luai's A$1.2 million annual salary is removed. Potential replacements include Javon Andrews (2025 U19s Origin Player of the Match) and Jock Madden (contracted through 2027).

The Wests Tigers had a 5-2 record in the 2026 season after eight rounds and were positioned third on the NRL ladder at the time of Luai's announcement.

Perth Bears Expansion Update

The Perth Bears, entering the NRL in 2027, have signed 18 players but have yet to secure a marquee signing of Luai's stature. The Bears cannot offer the same tax-free salary advantages as the PNG Chiefs.

Bears coach Mal Meninga noted recruitment challenges related to family relocation requirements and travel time from eastern capitals. Bears CEO Anthony De Ceglie stated the club is focused on signing the right players and building for long-term success. The NRL has agreed to assist the Bears in attracting marquee players.

The Bears have experienced boardroom instability, including the resignation of general manager of football David Sharpe. The club has engaged a culture consultant to work with the football department and executives.

Papua New Guinea Government Involvement

PNG Prime Minister James Marape stated that Luai's visit to Port Moresby demonstrated the Chiefs' ability to attract high-profile recruits. The PNG government paid for the private jet that transported Luai, his family, agent, and Chiefs officials to Port Moresby and back. The aircraft was already booked for government ministers, and spare seats were offered to the Chiefs.

Marape stated that Luai remains contracted to the Wests Tigers and that the PNG government respects his current obligations. He thanked Tigers coach Benji Marshall for allowing Luai to visit PNG.

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