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<\/p>\nFormer State of Origin teammates Zac Lomax and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii have distanced themselves from a potential return to rugby league with the PNG Chiefs in 2028.<\/p>\n
But Suaalii says inaugural signing Jarome Luai \u201chas an energy that\u2019s contagious\u201d as fears spread among rival clubs that the Samoan superstar could help attract other big name players to the Chiefs.<\/p>\n
The two rugby converts will lock horns on Friday night when Lomax runs out for the Western Force, with Suaalii making his return from a hamstring injury for the Waratahs.<\/p>\n
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Both men are off contract at the end of the 2027 season following the home World Cup which has led to obvious speculation about them possibly being high on PNG\u2019s hit list.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve seen it, but I haven\u2019t really thought about it, to be fair,\u201d Suaalii said in Double Bay on Thursday afternoon.<\/p>\n
Watch every game of every round of the NRL Premiership LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1<\/a>.<\/p>\n Western Force\u2019s Zac Lomax and the Tahs Joseph-Aukuso say they are sticking with rugby despite the temptation of the PNG Chiefs. aren\u2019t turning back to the NRL. Pix: Matt King\/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m enjoying it, I\u2019m loving where I\u2019m at. I\u2019m loving the Waratahs, I\u2019m loving every day, enjoying living in Sydney.<\/p>\n \u201cI haven\u2019t spoken to my manager about anything, to be fair. I\u2019m off contract next year (but) that\u2019s still a while (away).\u201d<\/p>\n Lomax gave a similar response after his bid to play for the Melbourne Storm this year was ultimately blocked in court which prompted his move west.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m worrying about a game at a time at the moment and Western Force and Rugby Australia have been really good for me,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s exciting times moving forward with rugby union and I\u2019m really looking forward to it.\u201d<\/p>\n Chiefs general manager of football Michael Chammas joked that Luai could serve as their recruitment officer in Australia over the next 18 months, with theories already spreading that Panthers stars like Nathan Cleary could follow his lead.<\/p>\n Suaalii played his lone Origin game alongside Luai, while the pair also helped Samoa reach the World Cup final four years ago.<\/p>\n Luai is one of the most influential figures in the game, and Suaalii can see other Pasifika players wanting to play with him in PNG.<\/p>\n \u201cJarome has a special ability to amplify people around him and bring out the best in them,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Jarome Luai signs his Chiefs deal with PNG head of football Michael Chammas and chief executive Lorna McPherson. Picture: SuppliedSource: Supplied<\/p>\n \u201cHe has an energy that\u2019s contagious. Once I saw that signing, it\u2019s probably the best thing for the PNG Chiefs. I feel like that for him to go across and for his family to go across, I feel like it\u2019s a huge signing.<\/p>\n \u201cHis energy is contagious and he amplifies everyone around him.<\/p>\n \u201cPNG has a strong cultural sense about them. I think a lot of Pasifika or anyone with PNG background will want to play for the PNG Chiefs. I can\u2019t speak for myself, but I know a lot of people would want to go across and represent them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 Martin Gabor (NCA NewsWire)<\/p>\n COWBOYS LOOK TO EXTEND QUEENSLAND WINGER<\/p>\n He\u2019s set to spend the next few weeks on the sidelines after suffering a concussion in their win over the Sharks last week, but negotiations have begun to keep Queensland winger Murray Taulagi at the North Queensland Cowboys.<\/p>\n Taulagi crossed for a hattrick in North Queensland\u2019s win over Cronulla last weekend but was taken from the field late in the piece after a tackle on Siofia Talakai went wrong.<\/p>\n The 27-year-old has had a strong start to the season otherwise, crossing for nine tries in seven games so far.<\/p>\n