Wests Tigers five-eighth Jarome Luai is set to become the marquee player for the Papua New Guinea Chiefs when the NRL expansion side joins the competition in 2028. The deal follows the Chiefs' announcement of Alex Johnston as their historic first signing earlier on Tuesday.
Luai's Move to PNG
Luai, 29, spent last weekend in Papua New Guinea, meeting with Prime Minister James Marape and senior club officials. He flew on a private jet with his family and returned to Sydney on Monday evening. The five-eighth is expected to publicly confirm the move on Wednesday at a press conference at Wests Tigers headquarters.
“To be the first high-profile player to come and show interest in our team is something we deeply appreciate,” Marape told local media. “It sends a message that Papua New Guinea is ready, rugby league is strong here, and our future in the NRL is bright.”
Luai will activate an option to spend 2027 with the Tigers for the same money before joining the Chiefs in 2028 on a tax-free $1.2 million per season deal. The four-time premiership winner has helped drive the Tigers to third on the NRL ladder this season.
Johnston's Historic Signing
Alex Johnston made history as the Chiefs' first signing, confirming the move on Tuesday via an Instagram story with the words “Yessssss sirrrrrrr”. The 31-year-old winger will join on a one-year deal worth a tax-free $325,000.
Johnston passed Ken Irvine’s longstanding NRL try-scoring record earlier this season, now tallying 219 tries in his career. He made his Test debut for the Kumuls in 2019 and has scored four tries in 12 internationals for Papua New Guinea.
South Sydney teammate Sean Keppie expressed support for Johnston: “Yeah, he told us this morning. Look, you’ve got to be happy for the bloke. He’s given so much to the game and to see him get that first position over there is pretty cool to see.”
Johnston received the blessing of Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett earlier this year to join the PNG franchise, given his strong ties with the country.
