The PNG Chiefs are reportedly eyeing off another Tigers recruitment raid, with Jarome Luai’s departure from the club set to leave them vulnerable in their bid to retain key stars.

According to Code Sports, Chiefs officials gave Luai their word that they wouldn’t make move to sign any other Tigers players while he remained at the club.

However, with Luai set to exit after being granted permission to leave his contract early, that pact will come to an end once the Tigers’ 2026 campaign comes to a close.

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Therefore, the Chiefs are free to target Luai’s current teammates.

Now PNG bosses are reportedly eyeing off a big play for back rower Samuela Fainu, who is said to be a recruitment option for the Chiefs ahead of their debut season in 2028.

Luai was reportedly granted permission to leave the Tigers a year early in a bid to free up salary cap space, with the club paying $500,000 of his $1.2 million salary next season at the Eels.

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Therefore, the merger club freed up $700,000 and those funds were reportedly set to be used to re-sign the Fainu brothers — Samuela, Latu and Sione.

Elsewhere, Luai has reportedly signed a deal to become the face of Pepsi in Papua New Guinea, becoming the first of his third-party deals in the pacific which could see him earn millions over the next four years.

Luai will reportedly have to travel to PNG a handful of times throughout the 2027 season to fulfill his duties.

The Tigers reportedly had issues with him taking time away from club duties, while the Eels and coach Jason Ryles aren’t concerned.

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“He’s a pro — as long as he turns up and does what we need him to do at training, and playing and performing, you know what I mean?” Ryles said.

“It’s a pretty big part of all the players’ lives now, especially the boys at the pointy end. So, you know, it’s not only just being a footy player now, there’s a brand and all the rest of it that goes with it.

“So for me, as long as a footy comes first (I don’t have a problem).”