The flight from Townsville to Port Moresby is less than 1hr.
PNG prime minister encouraged by Jarome Luai's visit and meeting with Chiefs bosses
Topic:NRL
Posted 27 Apr 2026 at 12:58pm27 April 2026 at 12:58pm
Jarome Luai's visit to PNG has the Chiefs dreaming they can sign the Wests Tigers...
Remember? one of our players who played in the team vs Cowboys, I think it was round 3? Straight after the game jumps on a flight to PNG. Given that the Coach gave them all 2 days off he was still there on the Monday, without Coach's knowledge apparently.
What are the odds of losing our 7 and 6 early in the 2nd half of our round 3 clash with Souths?
We were up 14- 12 at the break, then both Luai and Doueihi had leg injuries. Souths outside backs scored two 2nd half tries to beat us by 4 points.
Are we any chance of getting back the local junior, who was DallyM Rookie, of the year DallyM halfback of the year, and a triple Kelly Barnes recipient. He did a good job at Manly. A great replacement for Luai?
I wouldn’t mind either of those. They have some experience though and we’ve had a recent history of recruiting those with limited or no experience. Which leads me to the question..who is actually responsible for hiring a defensive coach who will report to the Head coach, I assume.
When Madge was...
His coaching record isn’t outstanding. You’re right our edge defence is targeted by opposition teams.
What about someone like Fitzhenry?
He coached Southcity to a group 9 premiership.
Has played every position in the backs.
A local wests magpies junior?
And the clincher…he’s a 2005 gf winner.
Luau will play some of his best footy at Eels.
A. He will have a class half.
B. He will have incentive. He needs to continue raising his profile for whatever big 3rd party deals he has or about to have.
All these old retired media contracted players are livid that their careers gave them all...
I agree, HBG and the words “pursuit of excellence,” should not be seen in the same sentence. After buying the Apia soccer team, maybe they are planning for life without Wests Tigers? We can only hope and pray.
I have no problem with a player getting the best deal for him and his family. What is becoming a growing concern though is our inability to extract the best from our roster. A roster Richo said was as good as any in the NRL.
There often seems to be a continual conflict between a players goals...
Brooks had a great 2026 way outperforming Luai, and on half the salary. Had he not been injured, I reckon Manly would have been a real danger to any of the finals teams.
Another example of mismanagement by HBG.
Wests Tigers’ membership is the lowest of all clubs. 8k-9k. That number doubled under Pascoe’s leadership and the HBG were crowing like early morning roosters.
However, it was later revealed by incoming CEO Richardson that 50% of the members had been given free membership.