Jarome Luai’s surprise visit to PNG has prompted claims the Wests Tigers captain could be set for a mega-money move in 2028 and there are suggestions former teammate Nathan Cleary could join him. Luai was filmed in PNG over the weekend with reports he met with PNG Chiefs officials, including their general manager Michael Chammas.
Luai reportedly told the Tigers he was leaving the country and would be back on Monday. The five-eighth is in the second year of a five-year contract with the Tigers, worth $1.2 million per season. But the final three years are ‘player options’ in his favour, meaning he can leave the Tigers at any time.
Footage of Luai has sent the NRL community into a spin with claims he could be set to take the tax-free money and become PNG’s first big signing. And Penrith Panthers legend Greg Alexander feels Luai could do just that.
Jarome Luai’s (pictured middle) surprise visit to PNG has prompted suggestions he could link up with former teammate Nathan Cleary (pictured far right) on monster deals. (Images: Post Courier/Getty Images)
Speaking on Monday morning after the reports, Alexander said Luai could find it hard to turn down the money having already achieved four premierships at the Panthers. “It sounds very odd, but if you weren’t serious (about leaving), you’re not flying to PNG…I’ve just got a feeling that for a man that has won four premierships, played Origin, been in winning Origin series, played test matches for Samoa,” Alexander said on SEN Radio.
“I just think that he might be the man that they signed first. And the tax-free dollars, he’s on $1.2 (million) now. They won’t sign him for any less than that.
“So, if you’re signed a three or four-year deal, which is a long haul if you’re gonna live in PNG for the majority of it. But you finish your career, he’s 29 now. He would be 32 or 33 if he signs a three or a four-year deal because that’s life-changing money.”
Could Nathan Cleary (pictured left) and Jarome Luai (pictured right) reunite at the PNG Chiefs?
(Bradley Kanaris via Getty Images)Fans hint at Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary reunion
A potential move has also raised the idea he could link up with former teammate Cleary in PNG. There has been speculation Cleary could entertain a monster offer from PNG having not yet extended his deal at the Panthers.
Cleary is tipped to see his value on the market when he is able to negotiate with rival clubs later this year. Both Nathan and father Ivan are off contract at the end of 2027, and the Panthers are desperate to re-sign the father-son duo.
The PNG Chiefs signing Luai could tempt Cleary to reunite with the halves partner that helped deliver the Panthers four straight premierships. Although this is a long shot with Cleary seeking more glory at the Panthers who currently sit at the top of the NRL ladder in 2026.
Nathan Cleary yet to extend at the Panthers
Earlier this month, Brent Read claimed Cleary will wait before signing a new deal. While it could be a bargaining chip to boost his contract at the Panthers, there is no doubt PNG would throw a monster offer at the NSW Blues halfback.
“I rang around about this today and the impression I get is people around Nathan Cleary expect him to test his value from November 1. Not necessarily to leave, but to experience or find out what is out there,” Read said on Fox Sports’ NRL 360.
“I can’t imagine him playing for another NRL team. I don’t think he’ll play against Penrith or his dad but he wants to see what is out there and there are other codes. That’s what I imagine. Nathan spoke about it the other day and he said he’s in no rush which I think gave the impression he’ll see what is out there on November 1.”