Jarome Luai’s future beyond the 2026 NRL season is already attracting attention, with Rugby Australia leaving the door open for the Wests Tigers co-captain to make a cross-code switch before the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup on home soil.

Luai is set to finish his time at the Tigers at the end of next season before eventually joining the PNG Chiefs when the expansion club enters the NRL.

That leaves a 12-month period in which the four-time premiership-winning playmaker will be without a contract, sparking speculation over his next destination.

While the Parramatta Eels and the incoming Perth Bears remain possible NRL options, rugby union has also emerged as a genuine contender. According to reports from The Daily Telegraph and CODE Sports, Rugby Australia is open to pursuing the Samoan international ahead of next year’s World Cup.

Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh reaffirmed the organisation’s willingness to welcome elite talent from other codes.

“Our proposition is very different to an NRL proposition and our door’s always open,” Waugh said.

“We want to create an environment that attracts the best talent in Australia and around the world, and the door’s always open for those that want to come and experience that experience.”

Luai boasts an impressive rugby league résumé, having won four NRL premierships with the Penrith Panthers while also representing Samoa at two Rugby League World Cups.

The 29-year-old has also made 12 State of Origin appearances for New South Wales across five seasons.

If Luai does decide to make the move, he would join a growing list of high-profile NRL players to cross into rugby union. Stephen Crichton and Zac Lomax both signed with Rugby Australia earlier this year, with Lomax already beginning his stint at the Western Force.