Papua New Guinea's prime minister has declared that Jarome Luai's visit to Port Moresby "sends a message" the nation's NRL team is ready to hit the ground running.
The Wests Tigers playmaker was pictured in the PNG capital on Sunday where he met with PNG Chiefs officials and watched a game of the domestic national competition the Digicel Cup.
"To be the first high-profile player to come and show interest in our team is something we deeply appreciate," PNG Prime Minister James 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 is signed to the Tigers until the end of 2029 but has exit clauses in a deal believed to be worth $1.2 million a season which allow him to depart early.
The four-time premiership winner has until Thursday to indicate to the Tigers if he will remain with the club in 2027.
That appears a formality given the Tigers' 5-2 start this season but where it gets interesting is when the PNG Chiefs enter the NRL in 2028.
Luai could massively increase his pay packet with the tax-free status afforded to NRL players as well as boost his earnings through third-party arrangements in a rugby league-obsessed country such as PNG.
"At this stage, there is nothing formal or concrete," Marape said.
"Jarome remains contracted to the Wests Tigers, and we fully respect his current obligations.
"We are a nation that honours due process, and we respect clubs, contracts, and the professionalism of the game."
Marape also thanked Tigers coach Benji Marshall for allowing Luai to make the flying visit to Port Moresby.
The Chiefs, who will be led by Hull KR coach Willie Peters, have yet to sign a player for their maiden season but have been linked to Sydney Roosters and NSW State of Origin utility Connor Watson.
