'Very positive': PM praises Chiefs' signing of Luai, Johnston

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has praised the Chiefs' initial recruitment drive as the PNG franchise turns its attention to talent in England.  

The Chiefs signed Toa Samoa playmaker and Wests Tigers co-captain Jarome Luai as Player No.1 and followed up with Kumuls and Rabbitohs star Alex Johnston, the greatest tryscorer in Australian premiership history.

Albanese said he had discussed the recruitment coups with his PNG counterpart James Marape and both Prime Ministers were happy with the initial signings of the Chiefs, who will enter the NRL in 2028.

“I’ve spoken to Prime Minister Marape about the signings that have occurred already,” Albanese said during a visit to Wollongong to officially open the Dragons' Centre of Excellence.

“AJ will be an enormous asset for them. It's a great way to end his career.

“Jarome Luai, I thought he spoke very well about why he’s going. It’s not just about money, it’s about contribution and making a difference, and it will make a fantastic difference.

"I think it is a very positive thing and I thank all the clubs who essentially have got behind the concept.”

The Chiefs hosted former NSW Origin utility Connor Watson and his partner in PNG last weekend, while GM of football Michael Chammas has travelled to England to meet with coach Willie Peters and potential recruits.

He attended Thursday night's Hull KR match against Wigan, won 62-4 by the Robins, whose coach Willie Peters will take charge of the Chiefs in their debut season. Kumuls captain Rhyse Martin plays for Hull KR.

Chammas is also expected to meet with the quartet of Kumuls stars at Leigh - Lachlan Lam, Edwin Ipape, Liam Horne and Jacob Alick-Wiencke, and six PNG players at London Broncos.

Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou also has charge of the Broncos and he has urged Chammas to sign fullback Morea Morea, five-eighth Gairo Voro, centres Alex Max and Robert Mathias, playmaker Finley Glare and prop Epel Kapinias.

Players and staff joining the Chiefs are set to be exempt from tax in Australia and Papua New Guinea in a move to help the new franchise attract stars for their entry into the premiership in 2028.  

“The truth is they’re going over there. They’ll live in a compound, there does need to be an incentive for that,” Albanese said.

“That’s a decision that PNG have made because it’s so important for them.

“I can’t think of any aid and assistance in our region in the Pacific – and we’re part of the Pacific family – that will be more important than support for the PNG Chiefs.”

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Albanese said the introduction of the Chiefs had the ability to change lives in Papua New Guinea, by boosting education and health as well as the economy.

"I had the honour of walking the Kokoda Track with Prime Minister Marape a couple of years ago and to be at the Isurava Memorial on Anzac Day,” he said.

“You get to a spot where there’s a clearing and a village, and there’s kids wearing Dragons jumpers, wearing Rabbitohs jumpers, wearing Queensland State of Origin jumpers, and all they want to do is to kick a footy with you.

“This is the most passionate country in the world when it comes to rugby league. This will bring the country together to support the Chiefs."