Everyone, even the Tigers, can win with Luai’s PNG move. Here’s who I would target next

April 30, 2026 — 5:00am

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Jarome Luai’s signing as the face of the new Papua New Guinea franchise is a win for everyone involved: Jarome, the Chiefs, the PNG prime minister, rugby league and even the Wests Tigers.

Well done to everyone. It’s amazing what you can get done with a private jet and red carpet, but it’s also still a brave decision from Luai and his family.

I don’t think the Chiefs could have landed a better player to be coach Willie Peters’ No.7 and the marquee man he builds the club around from 2028.

Undoubtedly, Luai will attract other quality players, especially Polynesian players. He is a great leader and frontman for a club, and someone who will embrace the way rugby league is a religion in PNG.

Luai is phenomenal with young kids, and as a proud Samoan and Polynesian man, I think he’ll be adored by the PNG community and really help build a club culture that reflects the people and ideals of that nation.

Ironically, the way he’s helped lift the Tigers off the canvas after three straight wooden spoons has made him the best target for Peters and general manager Michael Chammas.

The Tigers still have Luai for the next 18 months, and as long as they continue to build on the improved standards he has helped implement, this is how the joint venture can still come out in front. Benji Marshall has 18 months to get the best out of Luai and plan how the club spends the more than $1 million it will have available under the salary cap after 2027.

A new broadcast deal, a likely increased salary cap and a host of big-name players coming off contract will make the Tigers a major player in the market. They are a club where players can see themselves improving and winning, and Luai has been instrumental in changing that perception.

He will be 31 years of age when he joins the Chiefs and have plenty of miles left in his legs. As their foundation halfback, Luai will play a big role in dictating how they play.

The next question is which of his mates will join him in PNG. Penrith’s Mitch Kenny and Liam Martin would both........

© Brisbane Times