How watching a game of footy with the PNG PM sealed the deal for Luai
Jarome Luai has become the inaugural signing for the PNG Chiefs after being courted through a high-level recruitment effort that included a meeting with Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape. The experience of watching a local rugby league match alongside the PM, who actively supported the recruitment, played a decisive role in Luai's decision. Despite a social media leak by South Sydney winger Alex Johnston claiming to be the first signing, Luai was officially confirmed as the franchise's first player.
- ▪Jarome Luai activated a release clause in his Wests Tigers contract to join the PNG Chiefs on a three-year deal.
- ▪Prime Minister James Marape personally hosted Luai during his visit, including at a Digicel ExxonMobil Cup match in Port Moresby.
- ▪Luai cited tax-free earnings and the opportunity to positively impact PNG as key reasons for his move.
- ▪Alex Johnston prematurely announced on social media that he would be the Chiefs' first signing, despite no contract being finalized.
- ▪The PNG Chiefs officially announced Luai as their first player, designating him as 'Player #001'.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Sydney Morning Herald.