Jarome Luai is set to become the face of Papua New Guinea's NRL team after confirming he will leave the Wests Tigers to take up a tax-free contract with the PNG Chiefs in 2028. The Samoan international has signed a two-year deal with the Chiefs, which includes an option for a third year, following a weekend trip to Port Moresby where he was hosted by Prime Minister James Marape.
Luai's Decision and Contract Details
Upon returning to Australia, Luai informed the Tigers of his desire to join the Chiefs as a foundation player for their inaugural season in 2028. The five-eighth is currently in the second year of a five-year contract with Wests Tigers, which includes clauses allowing him to activate options to stay or leave after years three, four, and five. Luai, aged 29, has told the Tigers he will exercise his option to remain at Concord on a $1.2 million per season deal for 2027, but has indicated he will then move to the Chiefs for their first campaign.
As part of PNG's introduction to the NRL, Luai's salary with the Chiefs will be entirely tax-free. However, Luai insisted that the financial incentive was not the primary factor in his decision. "I think everyone wants me to say tax free and how appealing that is from the outside in," Luai said at a press conference. "But that's not what got the deal signed. Being over there I realised it's bigger than a game over there. When the time comes we'll be able to change a lot of lives for the better."
Impact on Wests Tigers and PNG Chiefs
The capture of Luai represents a significant coup for the Chiefs, whose entry into the NRL had raised concerns about the start-up club's ability to attract top-level talent due to security issues in Papua New Guinea. While Luai's eventual exit could potentially dampen the mood at the Tigers, coach Benji Marshall is focusing on the positive aspects. "He's still with us for the next 18 months and the role he plays in that journey continues," Marshall said in a statement. "We're all looking forward to having him with us during that time. Jarome's a quality human being who is widely respected across our club. I know how difficult this has been for him, but he's put his family first and we respect his decision."
Speaking to the media, Marshall added that Luai had been "broken down" by the agonising decision and remained "emotional" over the call. The Tigers will now have Luai for the remainder of the 2025 season and the entire 2026 campaign before he transitions to the Chiefs in 2028.
