The Agenda Setters Rugby League on Channel 7 Jarome Luai spotted in talks with PNG Chief –
Corey Parker (CP), David Riccio (DR), Aaron Woods (AW) and Luke Keary (LK) discuss the biggest topics of Rugby League, including;
- Jarome Luai spotted in talks with PNG Chiefs
- Kalyn Ponga extends contract with Newcastle
- Craig Bellamy’s shock resignation from coaching role
Jarome Luai to sign with the Tigers?
CP: Jarome Luai, spotted over in PNG. Have the Chiefs landed the marquee man?
DR: This is significant, there is no other way to look at it. It is huge. Jarome Luai flying to Port Moresby over the weekend to tour ever part of the PNG Chief’s setup to date – what the accommodation will look like, what the facilities will look like, where the families will be set under this new structure in PNG.
He is due to return to the West Tigers training tomorrow morning. This has all been part of his trip, to see if the Chiefs can land what would be a monumental first signing.
CP: If Jarome is heading over to PNG to have a look around, you’d think he’s not just going there for a holiday. He’d legitimately a chance to sign with PNG.
AW: I’d love to know the conversations he’s had with the club as well and the clauses that are in his contract, as he’s obviously had to have time off training to go over there. We know he’s got a couple of days…
DR: Yes April 30, so this coming Thursday Jarome has to inform the West Tigers if he’s taking up their option for the 2027 season. In this same timeframe, The Chiefs have to get a deal done with him. If he chooses to take up the Tiger’s 2027 option, the Chiefs are off the table until November this year. As soon as he takes up the option, he is no longer a free agent. And it’s not just the Chiefs here today, it’s the Dolphins, the Titans, the Cowboys, the Sharks, the Roosters. Everybody can talk to Jarome right now. He’s a free agent. But as soon as he indicates on his option, he goes back and everyone has to wait until November 1 to have a crack.
If Jarome Luai leaves the Tigers, will others follow suit?
CP: If (Jarome says he’s all in), and then goes to PNG, it’s not a good look. Because the flow on effect is Jahream Bula has an option he has to trigger in the next month. If Jarome Luai makes this decision to potentially go to the PNG Chiefs, does this have a big impact on what Bula does?
AW: Boys I hope they don’t lose both of them. The club is moving in and upwards and onwards trajectory, they’re doing so well at the moment and the fan base is unbelievable. I think Jarome should go take a look at the last Tigers captain who left the club and see where his career ended up… (nosedive noise).
DR: If Bula is looking at his captain looking around, I would think it plays a role. The West Tigers seem confident that they are going to keep Bula… I just wonder whether the goalposts have shifted off the back of Luai.
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The Agenda Setters Rugby League on Channel 7 Jarome Luai spotted in talks with PNG Chief
