Rising star cleared to chat with Chiefs on PNG trip

George Clarke | October 21, 2026

Cooper Bai is shaping as the next recruitment coup for PNG’s NRL side after the Gold Coast forward jetted into Port Moresby after being given permission to enter contract talks with the Chiefs.

On the same day the NRL’s 19th franchise unveiled their inaugural jersey and logo following a courtroom battle with Super Rugby Pacific’s Waikato-based Chiefs, Bai travelled to the PNG capital to discuss his playing future.

Bai, who was ruled out of the Kumuls’ World Cup campaign with a hamstring injury, does not enter the final 12 months of his Titans contract until November 1.

But Gold Coast have given the 19-year-old the freedom to enter early talks with the Chiefs.

“The family were coming for a holiday, so the Titans were good enough to give us permission to come and meet the Chiefs prior to November 1,” Bai’s agent, Anthony Field, told AAP.

“We thought we’d come a day earlier on the family holiday to visit and have a look and hear what they’ve got to say.

“He’s got a contract for next year but, how 28 looks? We don’t know. He (Bai) will come around, listen, hear it, see it, and feel it, and then he’ll work it out.”

Last year Bai turned down the chance to sign with the Melbourne Storm – the club where father Marcus made his name – which prompted a family fallout.

Marcus Bai is a member of the Chiefs’ board and it is unclear whether he would retain that role if Cooper were to sign with the new club for 2028.

Bai jnr’s signature would follow an impressive signing spree for the Chiefs, who have recruited Zac Lomax, Alex Johnston, Joey Manu, Connor Watson and Matty Lees among their seven inaugural signings.

Brian To’o and Jarome Luai – the Chiefs other two major signings – also travelled to the PNG capital on Wednesday ahead of Samoa’s World Cup clash with the Kumuls on Saturday.