Former PNG LNG Kumuls and SP PNG Hunters Coach and now Governor for East new Britain province, Michael Marum, has welcomed the signing of four-time premiership-winning five-eighth Jarome Luai with the PNG Chiefs.

He said the country needs such key players like Luai to build the foundation of this new franchise going forward in the NRL competition.

“Of course, we need a marquee player like himself to come on board and support our people here.”

Governor Marum said, Jerome Luai and Alex Johnston are both talented players in their ways and are a good fit for the team.

With no official statement from the Chiefs regarding AJ’s signing, the Governor stated that it would be an honour to watch him play for the PNG Chiefs as he heads towards the back end of his career.

“Yeah, AJ, for him to, you know, he's getting towards the back end of his career, so it would be an honour for him to finish off playing at home with the home team too.”

“And if he's signed or if he's yet to sign and if he's on the radar, it would be really good for us. He's a quality player, both of them.”

Governor Marum also stressed that having signed key marquee players like Jerome and AJ (still in talks), it’s a good space for marketing to get top NRL players on board to lead the team come 2028.

“And of course, they're going to attract more of those marquee key players to come on board. With the Chiefs coming on board in 2028, recruiting top players is key to boost the teams' performances.”

Meanwhile, Luai is contracted for seasons 2028 and 2029 and has an option to remain at the club in 2030.