Jarome Luai signs with PNG Chiefs for 2028 NRL season
Consensus Summary
Jarome Luai, a four-time premiership-winning playmaker and co-captain of the Wests Tigers, has agreed to join the Papua New Guinea Chiefs for the 2028 NRL season. Luai will remain with the Tigers through 2027, triggering an exit clause in his contract to join PNG Chiefs on a two-year deal with an option for a third year, reportedly worth over $1 million tax-free annually. His decision follows a weekend visit to Papua New Guinea, where he met with Prime Minister James Marape and senior club officials, signaling the Chiefs’ ambition to become a competitive force in the NRL. Luai’s move is seen as a landmark signing, with PNG Chiefs also securing Alex Johnston, the NRL’s all-time leading try-scorer, on a one-year deal. The tax-free financial incentives and Luai’s cultural connection to the Pacific region have made his signing a defining moment for the new franchise, with expectations that it will attract more high-profile players in the future. The move has sent shockwaves through the NRL, with clubs warned to be vigilant about recruitment as the league expands to 19 teams.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Jarome Luai will join PNG Chiefs for the 2028 NRL season on a two-year contract with an option for 2030
- Luai is contracted to Wests Tigers until the end of 2027 and will remain with them for the 2027 season
- Luai met with PNG Prime Minister James Marape and senior PNG Chiefs officials during his visit to Papua New Guinea
- Alex Johnston will join PNG Chiefs on a one-year deal worth a tax-free $325,000
- Luai’s new contract with PNG Chiefs is reportedly worth over $1 million tax-free per season
- Luai spent last weekend in Papua New Guinea and returned to Sydney on Monday evening
- PNG Chiefs announced Luai’s signing on April 29, 2026
- Luai is a four-time premiership winner with Penrith and a current Wests Tigers co-captain
- Luai’s five-year Tigers contract includes exit clauses allowing him to leave after 2027
- PNG Chiefs are led by coach Willie Peters and will enter the NRL in 2028
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall stated that 'Every club needs to be on their toes' due to aggressive recruitment by PNG Chiefs
- Luai addressed media on Wednesday morning to confirm his move to PNG Chiefs
- Luai’s financial incentives were not the primary reason for his move, citing a desire to change lives in PNG
- Luai is likely to be the inaugural captain of PNG Chiefs
- Chiefs general manager Michael Chammas called Luai’s signing a 'defining moment for the club and the nation'
- Luai’s move is part of a 'snowball effect' expected to attract more players to PNG Chiefs
- Luai informed his Wests Tigers teammates of his move on Tuesday before publicly confirming it on Wednesday
- Luai’s presence at the Tigers was critical in attracting other big names to the club
- Luai’s high profile will help PNG Chiefs attract third-party sponsorship deals
- Luai’s five-year Tigers contract allowed him to renew annually, triggering his option to stay in 2027 before leaving
- Luai’s Instagram post with 'Yessssss sirrrrrrr' seemingly confirmed Johnston’s move to PNG Chiefs before Luai’s official announcement
- Johnston is the first player to commit to the PNG Chiefs ahead of their entry in 2028
- Luai’s move is described as a 'landmark day' for PNG Chiefs alongside Johnston’s signing
- Michael Chammas stated that Luai’s signing sends a message that 'the PNG Chiefs are here, and we are serious'
- Chammas emphasized that Luai’s family, including his parents, are fully committed to moving to PNG
- Chammas mentioned that Luai’s move will inspire a generation in Papua New Guinea
- Chammas refused to comment on pursuing Panthers players until November 2026
Where the reporting differs
Details that conflict, or appear in only some outlets:
- ABC and SMH state Luai’s new contract is worth over $1 million tax-free per season, but Guardian mentions $1.2 million tax-free per season without specifying if it’s the same figure
- ABC and SMH say Luai’s contract with PNG Chiefs is for 2028 and 2029 with an option for 2030, while Guardian and Newscomau describe it as a three-year deal with an option for a fourth year, but do not specify the exact years
- ABC and Newscomau state Luai’s signing was announced on April 29, 2026, but Guardian’s article is dated April 28, 2026, suggesting a slight discrepancy in timing of the announcement
Source Articles
Wests Tigers star Luai confirms move to PNG Chiefs
Jarome Luai will leave Wests Tigers at the end of the 2027 season, announcing he will join the PNG Chiefs for their entry to the NRL.
Jarome Luai agrees to join PNG Chiefs from 2028
The Wests Tigers co-captain has informed teammates he will move to the NRL’s expansion franchise on what is expected to be a three-year deal after next season.
Jarome Luai to join PNG Chiefs as NRL expansion side make first signings
Tigers star agrees to $1.2m-a-season tax-free deal after PNG visit Try-scoring record-holder Alex Johnston also confirms 2028 move Jarome Luai is expected to become the face of the Papua New Guinea Chiefs after he agreed to join the NRL’s 19th team in 2028. The deal follows the PNG expansion side’s announcement of South Sydney try-scoring machine Alex Johnston as their historic first signing earlier on Tuesday. Continue reading...
Luai's shock NRL move means Australian and NZ rugby must be 'on their toes'
The NRL's expansion has ramifications for more than the existing 17 clubs, with Australian and New Zealand rugby talent also in the crosshairs.
NRL's greatest ever try-scorer hints at imminent PNG switch
Record-setting South Sydney try-scoring winger Alex Johnston looks set to become the first player to sign for the PNG Chiefs ahead of their 2028 NRL entry.
‘We’re serious’: Clubs on notice after Luai bombshell
Jarome Luai’s decision to sign with the PNG Chiefs has sent a strong message that superstar players aren’t scared to be a part of rugby league’s biggest gamble.
In signing Jarome Luai, Papua New Guinea's power has become real
Jarome Luai's decision to sign with Papua New Guinea is a showcase of the economic power behind the Chiefs and marks the start of the greatest rugby league gold rush since Super League.
PNG PM says Luai's visit 'sends a message' ahead of Chiefs' NRL entry
The Wests Tigers playmaker is the Chiefs' top target ahead of their NRL entry in 2028, and the Papua New Guinea prime minister says his trip to PNG shows the interest is mutual.
More Sport stories
Sydney Swans players linked to sexual assault allegations and club sanctions
Australia vs Bangladesh Test series in 2026, featuring historic upsets and batting struggles
Jeff Bezos-led consortium acquires Liverpool FC stake
Arthur Fery and Alex de Minaur clash at Cincinnati Masters 1000 after Wimbledon run
Australia's Lani Pallister dominates Pan Pacific Swimming Championships 2026, breaking Katie Ledecky's streak
Death of 19-year-old cyclist Finlay Tarling during Volta a Portugal stage 8
Latest cross-verified stories
Ukraine targets Wildberries warehouses and Russian infrastructure with drone strikes amid escalating war
Meta trial over social media addiction in children begins in California
Prince Harry and others ordered to pay legal costs to Daily Mail publisher after losing privacy lawsuit
Mass bird deaths linked to H5 bird flu in Australia’s southern states
Australia’s largest gun buyback scheme after Bondi terror attack
Natalie Harp’s rise as Trump’s loyal aide and recent media scrutiny over her role
Browse all stories from April 2026 in the archive.