On Tuesday afternoon, it was reported that Luai had told Tigers teammates that he would be joining the Chiefs from 2028<\/a> following a weekend visit to Port Moresby over the weekend.<\/p>\n The Daily Telegraph\u2019s Dave Riccio explained on NRL360 how the Chiefs were able to convince Luai to be the franchise\u2019s marquee signing. <\/p>\n \u201cThey want him to be their front man and ultimately said to Jarome when he flew up over the weekend, \u2018come and build your NRL team\u2019,\u201d Riccio revealed.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat an opportunity. Have you ever heard of an club speaking to their No. 1 target that you can have a major say on the entire structure of the rugby league team?\u201d<\/p>\n The early reports suggest Luai has agreed to a three-year deal with the Chiefs worth around $1.2 million a year.<\/p>\n Given the PNG contracts will be tax-free, Luai could likely become the game\u2019s highest-paid player.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s (tax-free dollars) the lure isn\u2019t it. If you peel it all back and you compare it to some of the biggest names in the game, it\u2019s irresistible. It\u2019s too hard to refuse,\u201d NRL360 host Braith Anasta said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s such a huge appeal for players. I think they\u2019re going to have a very competitive team.\u201d<\/p>\n Luai\u2019s contract with the Tigers included a contract clause allowing him to depart the club early. He triggered said clause before the required date (April 30), meaning he\u2019s able to exit the Tigers at the end of next season.<\/p>\n With Luai now locked in for 2028, focus has shifted to what other big fish the Chiefs could try and land.<\/p>\n As Riccio said, Luai will effectively \u201coperate as a recruitment agent\u201d over the next 12 months or so. <\/p>\n NRL360 ran a graphic which displayed the former or current teammates of Luai who go off contract at the end of next year and are free to negotiate with rivals from November 1.<\/p>\n The list included Brian To\u2019o, Isaah Yeo, Nathan Cleary, Liam Martin, Terrell May, Mitch Kenny, Matt Burton, Taylan May, Sunia Turuva, Jahream Bula and Moses Leota.<\/p>\n Former and current teammates off contract on November 1.Source: FOX SPORTS<\/p>\n As foxsports.com.au\u2019s Paul Crawley noted, the tax free contracts on offer means the Chiefs will have the scope to add several marquee players instead of just \u201ctwo or three\u201d the salary cap limits other teams to.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve got many of these guys who would stand up as marquee players but it\u2019s not just two or three marquee players because of the way the tax system is going to work. Guys on $700,000 then become $1.2 million players,\u201d Crawley said.<\/p>\n While there were a smattering of players from both the Tigers and Panthers who become free agents on November 1, it\u2019s Penrith fans who should be worried according to Anasta. <\/p>\n \u201cI actually think it\u2019s more the Panthers who should be concerned. They\u2019re the best team in the comp and can\u2019t possibly keep everyone and retain their stars,\u201d Anasta explained.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Panthers have had their success. They\u2019ve won premierships, their mindset changes when you\u2019re older, you think kids, family. It changes everything when you\u2019ve won that many premierships.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEvery single (Panthers) player on that list has earned the right to do his best for the final years of their career for what they\u2019ve achieved at the club,\u201d Crawley added while Riccio named three players who could be most susceptible to following Luai to Papua New Guinea.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s three names on that list specifically for me. That\u2019s Brian To\u2019o, Mitch Kenny and Liam Martin.\u201d<\/p>\n Luai Lure: Who could be next for PNG? | 02:47<\/p>\n MORE NRL NEWS<\/p>\n TALKING PTS: Why Dogs can only blame themselves; career truth facing Bellamy<\/a><\/p>\n TEAM TIPS RD 9: Broncos\u2019 massive double boost; Storm set for mass changes<\/a><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1776909012_441_poster-fallback.png\"\/)
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