NRL debate targets benefits after Luai’s Chiefs 001
THE NRL’s salary cap system is under close watch following the recent signing of Wests Tigers playmaker Jarome Luai as PNG Chiefs No.001.
What was meant to be an exciting expansion battle is now being described by insiders as a “one-sided contest”, with the Perth Bears reportedly struggling to keep up.
Bears are under pressure, with growing claims they are losing ground to the Chiefs in the race to build momentum ahead of their NRL entry next season (2027).
Reports suggest the Bears are falling behind in the public relations battle, as the Chiefs continue to gain attention, support, and traction in key areas like player recruitment and fan engagement.
It is now clear that if Perth fail to wake from hibernation, they risk slipping further behind while the Chiefs push forward with confidence.
Despite the Bears promoting a strong A$6 million (K14.4 million) financial backing, critics say money alone will not be enough.
NRL commentators are quietly questioning whether the system is already stacked in favour of the 19th PNG franchise.
Surrounding the critic is a major advantage: tax-free contracts.
Sources say this allows the Chiefs to offer players significantly more take-home pay even when contracts appear equal on paper.
This means – a player choosing Papua New Guinea could walk away with far more money than if they signed with an Australian side.
There is growing concern that Luai signing will trigger a chain reaction, attracting more elite players to Port Moresby before 2028.
One recruitment source described it bluntly: “Once one big name goes, others follow. That’s how the market works.”
If that happens, the Chiefs could enter the competition already stacked with star power, something no expansion team has achieved before.
Unlike the Chiefs, the Bears are operating without extra salary cap concessions, meaning they must compete under the same financial rules as established clubs but without the same appeal.
As a result, the Mal Meninga-coached side is expected to miss out on key targets as they prepare for their debut next year.
“It’s not a fair fight,” one commentator said, echoing a sentiment now widely shared across the game.
