PNG Chiefs General Manager Michael Chammas Seeks Marquee No.7

Armed with tax-free funds as they enter their inaugural free-agency period, the PNG Chiefs have announced plans to hunt for a marquee No.7 to help secure a finals appearance during their very first year.

Fantasy & Market Impact

• Attention will now turn toward securing an elite halfback and building a robust forward pack to support him, incorporating talents such as Joey Manu and Jarome Luai.
• Locker Room Salary Dynamics: With significant tax-free capital at play, the club’s careful deployment of cap space through 2028 will dictate how aggressively they can back-fill their forward pack.
• When the November 1 window opens, new franchises the Bears and the Chiefs will compete for the signatures of the sport’s most sought-after athletes.

Targeting the Game’s Elite Playmakers

As the trade window officially opened on November 1, 2026, the market opened with high-profile talent. Alongside 11 Kangaroos that include Jack Bostock, Bradman Best, Sam Walker, Tom Trbojevic, Latrell Mitchell, Cameron Munster, Harry Grant, James Tedesco, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin, and David Fifita, Penrith star Nathan Cleary leads the list and has yet to finalize his playing future past next year.

PNG Chiefs GM of Football Michael Chammas has invited media members to tour the PNG Chiefs facilities ahead of their 2028 entry into the NRL.Those invited include The Bye Round, Hello Sport and Levels (hosted by Willie Mason and Justin Horo).📻 @TripleM_NRL

— https://x.com/LeagueScenePod/status/2051199869197652337

The Chiefs have already laid down serious foundational groundwork, securing Jarome Luai, Joey Manu, Connor Watson, Brian To’o, Zac Lomax, Alex Johnston, and Matty Lees prior to the opening of their first free-agency period. But with Zane Harrison opting to recommit to the Gold Coast, the Chiefs’ board has turned its focus squarely onto players capable of dominating possession and dictating tempo.

“We want to get a marquee No.7 because we want to be in a position where we can compete for finals from year one,” Chiefs general manager of football Michael Chammas stated. “History will show that if you don’t have an elite No.7, you will struggle to do that, to at least be competing at the back end of the year.”

Balancing the Forward Pack and the 2028 Salary Cap

Beyond the halves, the front office faces a complex juggling act to round out the forward rotation. While outside backs arrived early via permission windows or were poached from rugby, the club deliberately held its powder dry for premier pack additions hitting the open market.

Target / Recruit	Position	Status / Deal Details
Jarome Luai	Five-Eighth / Half	Secured for inaugural roster
Cooper Bai	Forward	Tabled four-year, $3 million deal
Nathan Cleary	Halfback (No.7)	Unsigned beyond next year; target
Sam Walker	Halfback (No.7)	Available on November 1 market

The organisation has put forward a $3 million, four-year proposal for up-and-coming Titans forward Cooper Bai—who was granted permission to hold talks—while Raiders back-rower Hudson Young emerges as a target of interest provided he can be acquired on reasonable financial terms.

Chammas emphasized the strategic risks involved in timing these acquisitions against future cap projections. “We need a seven and we need to complete the spine. Then we need to focus on the forward pack,” Chammas noted. “It’s a juggling act, we need to balance the fact that we need a seven and a nine and some forwards, but also juggle the fact we don’t know what the cap will be in 2028.”

The Cultural Significance of Cooper Bai

The pursuit of Cooper Bai transcends mere roster construction. As the son of Melbourne Storm legend Marcus Bai—who sits on the PNG Chiefs board and is prepared to step down if conflicts arise—Cooper represents the heartbeat of local rugby league passion.

Recalling an unforgettable moment from a previous visit, Chammas highlighted the sheer magnitude of the player’s local following. “This country adores Cooper,” Chammas said, recounting a scene where a massive crowd erupted just from the young forward taking a single hit-up. “It’s a decision for him to make, but we want him to be part of it. He’s the son of a Papua New Guinean legend, and there’s no better fit to have him here for our inaugural season.”

As answers materialize over the coming weeks, the Chiefs’ ability to balance tax-free financial flexibility with tactical precision will dictate whether their maiden campaign results in an immediate finals run.

Disclaimer: The fantasy and market insights provided are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial or betting advice.