PNG Chiefs move driven by vision, says Luai

Papua New Guinea’s incoming NRL franchise has secured a major boost, with Jarome Luai confirming his switch to the PNG Chiefs was inspired by a desire to uplift the country rather than financial rewards.

The Wests Tigers five-eighth, fresh from a visit to Port Moresby, revealed he will spearhead the Chiefs when they enter the competition in 2028, shifting attention away from the lucrative, tax-free nature of the deal and towards its wider purpose.

Speaking during a media appearance on Wednesday, Luai dismissed claims that money played the central role in his decision, saying his experience in PNG changed his outlook.

"I think everyone wants me to say it’s the tax-free [money] and how appealing that is from the outside in, but that’s not what got the deal signed," Luai said. "Being over there, you sort of realize it’s bigger than a game over there. When the time comes, we’ll be able to change a lot of lives for the better."

The former Penrith Panthers star has signed a two-year contract from 2028 to 2029, with an option to extend until 2030, and is expected to earn about $2.2 million per season tax free.

Despite the record deal, Luai said the cultural connection between his Polynesian roots and PNG’s Melanesian identity played a stronger role in his decision.

"It’s probably more of a vision… something that I resonated with. Being Polynesian, you know, there’s a lot of similarities. What that team’s eventually going to do for those people is just grow a nation."

Luai added that a visit hosted by franchise officials and Prime Minister James Marape, which included his family, helped finalise his commitment.

"It was a great experience. My family, my son, got the chance to come with [me]. And yeah, being there after all of that, that’s probably what got it sealed," he said.

He also confirmed he will honour his current contract with the Wests Tigers through to the end of the 2027 season, stressing the move was handled openly with the club.

"The way my contract works and how it was structured, we broke no rules throughout the process," Luai clarified. "I thanked the coach and my teammates already; they were so transparent through it all. I'm really grateful that it’s been a smooth process."