Star playmaker Jarome Luai agrees to join the Papua New Guinea Chiefs as their marquee player when the NRL expansion team debuts in 2028, departing the Wests Tigers three years into his five-year contract.
Luai’s Visit and Decision
Luai recently traveled to Papua New Guinea following the Tigers’ victory at Leichhardt Oval. He met with Chiefs officials, attended a local match, and received a warm welcome from fans before returning to Sydney.
The 29-year-old remains with the Tigers through the current season and 2027. His exit delivers a significant setback to the third-placed team, which eyes finals for the first time since 2011.
A contract clause permits Luai to pursue other opportunities annually. The tax-free earnings in PNG, positioning him as the face of the new franchise, proved irresistible.
Analyst Brent Read highlights the financial appeal: “The other big factor we can’t ignore is the money. By going there, even if they pay him what he’s on at the Tigers, he’s going to earn in his hand an extra $1 million over two years because it’s tax free money.” He adds, “The money is ridiculous. Aside from the contract money, there are third party deals over there which is all tax free as well. He would instantly become the highest-paid player in rugby league.”
Career Background and Earnings Boost
After securing four premierships with Penrith, Luai joined the Tigers on a $1.2 million annual deal, fueling their resurgence under coach Benji Marshall. Federal exemptions allow rugby league players to avoid taxes in PNG, boosting Luai’s take-home pay by an estimated $1 million over 2028 and 2029 at the same salary level.
No formal announcement has occurred, but Luai faces a contract deadline of April 30.
PNG Prime Minister Welcomes Luai
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape praises Luai’s visit to Port Moresby: “To have a player of Jarome Luai’s calibre visit our country, experience our culture, meet our people, and see what Papua New Guinea has to offer is heartwarming for our nation.”
He continues, “On behalf of the people and Government of Papua New Guinea, I welcome him and his family to our country. To be the first high-profile player to come and show interest in our team is something we deeply appreciate. It sends a message that Papua New Guinea is ready, rugby league is strong here, and our future in the NRL is bright.”
Alex Johnston Also Commits to Chiefs
The Chiefs secure another coup with record-breaking winger Alex Johnston, who confirms his 2028 move via Instagram. The 31-year-old, with one year left on his South Sydney Rabbitohs contract, boasts 219 tries for the club since his 2014 debut and 12 Tests for the Kumuls.
A statue honors Johnston outside the Rabbitohs’ Maroubra headquarters. At its March unveiling, he shared: “It’d be cool to be the first signature over there, but I bleed red and green. I’ve still got this year and next year at the club.”
“If I’m still kicking and still got some miles on these legs, I’ll go from there and see where I end up. I love this club. I’ve always wanted to be a one-club player, and I’m in this position now. Things could go either way.”
“They just love rugby league so much over there, the Chiefs, every week they’ll get massive support. It’s something I probably want to be a part of. Obviously, I’d love to stay at Souths. But the footy over there, I think everyone needs to experience it. I fell in love with the game of footy going over there.”
