It’s a done deal: Luai signs with PNG Chiefs

Jarome Luai officially signed a two-year contract with the PNG Chiefs and put the speculation to bed about his playing future. 

He will join the Chiefs in 2028 and play for two seasons (2028-2029), with a possible contract extension in 2030.

Signing a marquee player like Luai will attract other big-name players, especially those who are off-contract this year and will enter the open market in November. 

The PNG Chiefs released a press statement, confirming the signing of Luai on a lucrative two-year deal.

“The PNG Chiefs are delighted to announce the official signing of four-time premiership-winning five-eight, Jarome Luai, for up to the next three seasons,” the statement read.

“Luai is contracted for seasons 2028 and 2029, and has an option to remain at the club in 2030.”

The proud Pacific Islander of Samoan heritage has deep connections to his roots, which makes this signing fitting.

“Jarome is a proud Pacific Islander, and his cultural values - community, family, humility, and pride in where he comes from - are exactly the values this club will be built on,” the statement said.

“The PNG Chiefs will stand for something bigger than a single country. We are also the team of the Pacific. 

“Jarome embodies that identity, and his presence in our jersey will resonate across every Pacific community.” 

The 29-year-old recently visited PNG along with his family upon the Chiefs’ invitation to tour the club’s facilities firsthand before making his move.

PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson said the NRL’s incoming 19th franchise is pleased to sign one of the best players in the game.

“Today is a very proud moment in our short history. Signing a player of Jarome’s experience and quality sends a message that we are serious about the development of this club,” she stated.

“Having Jarome and his family in PNG on the weekend showed his commitment and passion for the game and his belief in what we are building.

“We are very passionate about rugby league in PNG. It’s what brings us together as a nation, and it was great for Jarome to see that on the weekend.

“We now have player 001, and we are ready to build out the strongest list in the competition.”

The CEO added: “We’ve signed our head coach, we’ve signed our football general manager, our recruitment boss, and we’ve now locked in our first player.

“My board and executive promised we would build out the most talented roster in the competition, and that we would represent PNG with pride.

“Just like us, Jarome puts his family and culture first, with his commitment signifying what the Chiefs stand for, and we are proud to have him as our first signing.” 

PNG Chiefs General Manager Michael Chammas said Luai’s commitment to sign with the Chiefs is a defining moment for the club and the nation.

“Jarome is a world-class player and a proven winner. Securing his signature is a big step forward for our club and for rugby league in PNG,” Chammas expressed.

“We said we would attract the best players in the competition, and we’ve done that. It is a proud moment for us.

“He embodies the style, passion, and competitiveness we want our team to represent. We are thrilled to welcome Jarome and his family to the Chiefs’ family.

“I also want to wish him and the Wests Tigers all the best in the upcoming 18 months, and would love nothing more for him to finish his time at the club with another premiership ring.”

Earlier on, Alex Johnston was rumored to have signed with the Chiefs. However, the CEO McPherson denied the speculation, but confirmed Luai’s signing.

The PNG Chiefs will make a play for off-contract players like Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Brian To’o, Liam Martin, Joseph Manu, Jahream Bula, Sunia Turuva, and others to field a formidable side in 2028.