Wests Tigers star Jarome Luai says the chance to “change a lot of lives for the better” – not a lucrative tax-free salary – was the deciding factor in his decision to join the PNG Chiefs.
Star five-eighth Luai will leave the Tigers at the end of next season to join the Chiefs ahead of their NRL entry in 2028.
Luai’s deal with the Chiefs, which is for two years with the option of a third year, is reportedly worth $1.2m – tax free – per season.
However, the 29-year-old NSW State of Origin star – who has just spent a couple of days in Papua New Guinea – said money wasn’t the main reason he had joined the Chiefs.
“Everyone wants me to say tax-free and how appealing that is from the outside in, but that’s not what got the deal signed,” Luai said when asked why he signed with the Chiefs.”
“Being over there you realise that it’s bigger than a game over there, and when the time comes, we’ll be able to change a lot of lives for the better.”
Luai said his trip to PNG with his wife and son was a “great experience”.
“Being there after all that is probably what got it sealed,” he said.
“It was a vision, something that I resonated with. Being Polynesian, there are a lot of similarities to Samoa.
“What that team is eventually going to do for those people is eventually going to grow a nation, so that’s something that’s going to resonate with me.
“It’s going to work, and it’s going to be real.”
Luai was grateful to the Tigers for the “smooth process” in activating a clause in his contract that allowed him to leave despite signing a five-year deal that started in 2025 after he had won four successive premierships with Penrith.
“I’ve still got a job here to do. I’m here (for another) 18 months, and I live and breathe (a) team-first (mantra). This club will be in a great position when I leave,” he said.
Tigers interim chief executive Shaun Mielekamp commended Luai for his handling of the process.
“He’s been exceptional since his arrival – which we’ve all witnessed over the past two years – with the quality of his character shining through in a challenging set of circumstances to navigate,” Mielekamp said.
“We’re pleased to have Jarome with us for 2027 and wish him and his family all the best in their eventual next chapter.
“He’s an important figure at our club and will be held in high regard for many years to come.
“For the meantime, we’re all looking forward to the next 18 months and what we can collectively achieve.”
Tigers coach Benji Marshall said Luai still had a “significant role” to play at his current club.
“Jarome has been really important in the direction we’ve taken as a group over the past two seasons,” Marshall said.
“He’s still with us for the next 18 months and the role he plays in that journey continues. 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.”
Chiefs general manager of football Michael Chammas said Luai’s commitment was a “defining moment for the club and the nation”.
“Jarome is a world-class player and a proven winner,” Chammas said.
“Securing his signature is a big step forward for our club and for rugby league in Papua New Guinea.
“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.”
