Brad Fittler labels Jarome Luai the 'perfect' target for PNG after $1.2m star spotted meeting Chiefs
Updated . First published at
League legend Brad Fittler says Jarome Luai is the "perfect" target for incoming NRL club Papua New Guinea.
The Wests Tigers playmaker flew to Australia's northern neighbour to meet with Chiefs powerbrokers over the weekend, as they ramp up preparations to enter the competition in 2028.
The 29-year-old has a contract with the Tigers until the end of 2029, but bizarrely it includes player options and clauses for every year, meaning Luai can effectively walk out at any stage.
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He's pocketing about $1.2 million a season from the Tigers but signing for the Chiefs is an attractive proposition given players won't have to pay income tax on their earnings in PNG.
"I've got to say it's a pretty good selection," Fittler told Nine's Today.
Michael Chammas (left) and Jarome Luai (right). Post-Courier
"He left Penrith where he won four grand finals, when he got to the Tigers they had won three wooden spoons, last year they finished 13th and they are currently second at the moment.
"If you are looking for a leader in rugby league at the moment I think Jarome Luai is your man.
"The $1.2m comes with plenty of challenges, it's going to be a big sacrifice for his family.
"I think he's the perfect selection for them, and I've got to say Michael Chammas is doing a pretty good job at the moment if he secures Jarome Luai."
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Former The Sydney Morning Herald journalist Chammas is now general manager of the Chiefs.
He was seen standing next to Luai as the pair watched a Digicel ExxonMobil Cup match at Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby over the weekend.
Nine's Danny Weidler reported that Luai toured around Port Moresby with Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson and general manager Chammas.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports Luai has until April 30 to take up an option to stay with the Tigers for next season. The Chiefs don't enter the competition until 2028, meaning he is likely to play at least one more season at Concord.
Jarome Luai of the Tigers. Getty
If Luai was to depart the Tigers for the Chiefs in 2028 it would mean he only played three years of a five-year deal at the joint venture.
Previous Tigers CEO Shane Richardson had repeatedly claimed that Luai told him his motivation to join the club was "all about the (premiership) rings".
The Chiefs are yet to sign any players but it's highly likely Kumuls representative Alex Johnston will be one of the first to sign.
Toby Rudolf has expressed interest in playing for Papua New Guinea, and is off-contract this season.
The allure of tax-free contracts will entice a lot of players, and Broncos lock Patrick Carrigan has previously refused to rule out a move as well.
