The PNG Chiefs have their critics in more ways than one but they have made their first official splash on the market signing marquee half Jarome Luai as their first inaugural signing.
Luai signs on a three-year deal from the 2028 season with the third year an option year.
The NSW representative and Samoan international is the club’s marquee signing but it means more than just Luai putting on the boots and playing footy.
Papua New Guinea is the only country in the world where rugby league is the national sport and the Chiefs hope that Luai will be able to inspire the next generation of Papua New Guinean kids.
Michael Chammas, the General Manager of Football for the PNG Chiefs, says that Luai’s signing is an iconic one and a defining moment for both 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 Papua New Guinea,” Chammas said.
“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’re thrilled to welcome Jarome and his family to the Chiefs family.”
Most recently, Luai visited PNG facilities with his family to experience the country, its culture and more, with the importance of his signing also lauded by Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson.
“Today is a very proud moment in our short history, signing a player of Jarome’s experience and quality sends a message that we’re serious about the development of this club,” McPherson said.
“We’re 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.”
For Luai himself, the decision to sign went much deeper than the tax-free contracts in place. It was about the symbolism and the vision that the opportunity presented.
“Everyone wants me to say the tax-free and how appealing that is but that’s not what got the deal signed,” Luai said. “
Being over there, you realise that it’s bigger than a game over there. When the time comes, we’ll be able to change a lot of lives with that.”
Luai, a proud Polynesian, could see the similarities in bringing a nation together in Papua New Guinea and he wants to be a part of that.
“It’s a vision that I resonated with. Being Polynesian, there’s a lot of similarities to Samoa,” Luai continued.
“What the team’s eventually going to do for the [Papua New Guinean] people, it’s growing a nation and that resonated with me.”