Rugby converts respond to PNG links; Roosters veteran’s one-club ultimatum — Transfer Whispers

Former State of Origin teammates Zac Lomax and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii have distanced themselves from a potential return to rugby league with the PNG Chiefs in 2028.

But Suaalii says inaugural signing Jarome Luai “has an energy that’s contagious” as fears spread among rival clubs that the Samoan superstar could help attract other big name players to the Chiefs.

The two rugby converts will lock horns on Friday night when Lomax runs out for the Western Force, with Suaalii making his return from a hamstring injury for the Waratahs.

Both men are off contract at the end of the 2027 season following the home World Cup which has led to obvious speculation about them possibly being high on PNG’s hit list.

“I’ve seen it, but I haven’t really thought about it, to be fair,” Suaalii said in Double Bay on Thursday afternoon.

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“I’m enjoying it, I’m loving where I’m at. I’m loving the Waratahs, I’m loving every day, enjoying living in Sydney.

“I haven’t spoken to my manager about anything, to be fair. I’m off contract next year (but) that’s still a while (away).”

Lomax gave a similar response after his bid to play for the Melbourne Storm this year was ultimately blocked in court which prompted his move west.

“I’m worrying about a game at a time at the moment and Western Force and Rugby Australia have been really good for me,” he said.

“It’s exciting times moving forward with rugby union and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Chiefs general manager of football Michael Chammas joked that Luai could serve as their recruitment officer in Australia over the next 18 months, with theories already spreading that Panthers stars like Nathan Cleary could follow his lead.

Suaalii played his lone Origin game alongside Luai, while the pair also helped Samoa reach the World Cup final four years ago.

Luai is one of the most influential figures in the game, and Suaalii can see other Pasifika players wanting to play with him in PNG.

“Jarome has a special ability to amplify people around him and bring out the best in them,” he said.

“He has an energy that’s contagious. Once I saw that signing, it’s probably the best thing for the PNG Chiefs. I feel like that for him to go across and for his family to go across, I feel like it’s a huge signing.

“His energy is contagious and he amplifies everyone around him.

“PNG has a strong cultural sense about them. I think a lot of Pasifika or anyone with PNG background will want to play for the PNG Chiefs. I can’t speak for myself, but I know a lot of people would want to go across and represent them.”

— Martin Gabor (NCA NewsWire)

ONE CLUB, OR DONE, FOR TUPOU?

Veteran Sydney Roosters winger Daniel Tupou says he can’t see himself playing at another NRL club as he continues to weigh up his future and prepares to move past Billy Slater into third spot on the list for most tries in first grade.

Tupou turns 35 in June but is playing well enough to keep going in 2027 if he can secure another deal with the Roosters.

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A move to a rival club appears out of the question, with rugby another option for the towering winger who has represented NSW, Tonga and Australia.

“I’m still sorting that out with my manager, and we’re trying to get it sorted as soon as possible,” he said.

“I’m too mature to go to another team and start all over again. It’ll be hard on the body. We’ll see what happens and we’ll go from there.”

Tupou has been one of the most consistent outside backs in the NRL since he made his debut back in 2012 and showed off his finishing prowess with a hat-trick in just his second game.

But he wasn’t guaranteed a starting spot when Trent Robinson took over as coach the following season, with Tupou battling it out with Michael Oldfield to partner Roger Tuivasa-Sheck on the wing.

He won the spot and scored 14 tries in 2013, including a high-flying effort in the grand final win that has become his trademark play.

Robinson has described him as “a security blanket” on the left wing, with Tupou reflecting on that 2013 positional shootout that could have put his career go on a very different path had he not been picked.

“He (Robinson) reckons it was pretty close,” he replied when asked if Oldfield was a chance of taking his spot.

“I think the pre-season I had was just me putting my head down and focusing on myself to put my best foot forward.

“I think I showcased that in the pre-season and I was lucky enough to get that starting spot and hold onto that.

“I’m just grateful to be a part of it and blessed to still be playing.

“I’m definitely feeling it, but I guess I’ve got a mad poker face on. Fourteen years is a long time, so I’m blessed that I’m still playing and using this gift to play on the big stage with the boys. It’s truly an honour.”

Roosters fans are glad Robinson stuck with Tupou back in 2013, with the veteran now up to 189 tries as he closes in on the 300-game milestone that he should bring up against the Storm in round 13.

He will likely have gone past Storm legend Billy Slater by then into third spot, with Tupou trailing the superstar fullback by just one try after he bagged a double in the thumping Anzac Day win over the Dragons.

He could have been level by now, with both Robinson and Tupou lamenting a dropped ball with the line wide open.

“Oh really? I didn’t even know that. That’s crazy,” the usually quiet winger said, with Tupou set to become just the third player to score 200 tries.

“I probably would’ve got it (the record) if I hadn’t dropped that first one.”

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