https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl
The PNG Chiefs have their man.
This masthead understands that Wests Tigers captain Jarome Luai has agreed to join the Chiefs in 2028 in a major coup for the fledgling franchise as they look to hit the ground running in their inaugural season.
The NSW and Samoan international will spend next season at the Tigers after talking up a one-year option in his existing contract. He will then become the face of the Chiefs as they begin their quest to win a premiership.
This masthead understands that Luai informed the Tigers of his plans on Tuesday afternoon and the club is expected to hold a press conference on Wednesday morning to address what is a landmark day for not just PNG, but also the Tigers.
Jarome Luai to join PNG Chiefs in 2028.
Luai has been one of the driving forces behind their revival over the last two years under the coaching of Benji Marshall.
The Tigers would have loved him to stay but they also understand the magnitude of his decision given he will earn significantly more money with his move to PNG, where the government has made rugby league players tax exempt.
As long as Luai remains on the same salary he has at the Tigers - about $1.2 million a season - he will walk away with an extra $1 million in the hand over he course of 2028 and 2029.
The money alone made the Chiefs’ offer too good to refuse. However, Luai will also be given the opportunity to become the face of the franchise in PNG.
More to come...