PRIME Minister Hon. James Marape has officially welcomed international rugby league superstar Jerome Luai to Papua New Guinea yesterday afternoon at the APEC Terminal, Port Moresby.
The arrival marks Luai’s official signing as “Player Number 1” and the foundational marquee signing for the newly-established PNG Chiefs franchise.
The PNG Chiefs franchise is designed as a unified sporting pathway for the entire Pacific region, providing a professional structure for emerging junior talent across PNG, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Cook Islands, and Niue who are not picked up by other clubs.
Prime Minister Marape – accompanied by Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Hon. Belden Namah – praised Luai as a courageous pioneer who chose cultural legacy and regional impact over pure financial incentives, confirming that six other players have already followed his lead, with Joey Manu secured as Player Number 7.
“Jerome is our first mover, and we owe a great debt of gratitude to him, and the other six who are also joining us,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“While critics focus on money, Jerome and our incoming players could earn those same dollars in Sydney or New Zealand. Jerome chose this Pacific vision because of the opportunity to influence over 10 million rugby league-crazy kids in PNG. This goes beyond sport; it is a construct for the future of our youth.”
Addressing scrutiny regarding player contracts, Prime Minister Marape clarified that the PNG Government is operating entirely within National Rugby League (NRL) compliance and standard tax laws. He confirmed the government has strategically structured tax incentives to ensure international players and their families enjoy absolute comfort, security, and financial peace of mind during their relocation to Papua New Guinea.
Minister Belden Namah also took the opportunity to announce that the National Executive Council (NEC) would soon receive a formal submission to officially establish Luai as a premier national tourism ‘product’ and roving Pacific tourism ambassador. Luai’s image will front major international marketing campaigns such as at Brisbane and Sydney airports to project a secure, vibrant image of the country.
“Jerome is now a role model for our young people. Jerome’s
face and persona will promote the PNG Chiefs, rugby league, and our iconic tourism products like the Kokoda Track and the historic Battle of Milne Bay,” he added.
Expressing his excitement, Luai highlighted the deep cultural synergies between PNG, his proud Samoan heritage, and his upbringing in Western Sydney.
“I see PNG as a brother or a cousin to where we are from; it is all connected,” Luai said. “There is a false perception of what it is like here, which is something I experienced growing up in Western Sydney. I am excited to show PNG through my own lens, share this vision with the world, and prove that Papua New Guinea is a great place for everyone to visit.”
With over 7 million Papua New Guineans currently under the age of 25, the Marape-Rosso Government views sports as the timely vehicle to combat youth lawlessness, drug abuse, and digital isolation. The broader regional strategy will champion a united Pacific front through sports, backing Fiji in rugby union, PNG in rugby league, and proposing that the Solomon Islands lead regional football (soccer) development.