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PNG Chiefs Hold Secret Talks with Rising NRL Forward Cooper Bai
By Drooid · · How we work
PNG Chiefs Pursue Cooper Bai Ahead of Open Market
On October 21, 2026, 19-year-old forward Cooper Bai flew to Port Moresby for a closed-door meeting with the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Chiefs. The Titans, who hold Bai’s contract through 2027, granted him permission to discuss a potential move with rival clubs. Sources close to the PNG Chiefs said the franchise is considering a four-year offer worth roughly $3 million to secure his services before he becomes a free agent on November 1, a scheduled date when he could enter the open market.
Contract Situation and PNG Connections
Bai, the son of former Storm winger Marcus Bai, is under contract with the Gold Coast Titans until 2027 but has indicated he does not intend to extend his stay. Since his NRL debut in 2025, he has made 24 appearances. A hamstring injury ruled him out of the PNG Kumuls’ World Cup squad, yet his PNG heritage makes him a high-profile target for the Chiefs, who unveiled a new logo and jersey on the same day as the meeting.
Negotiation Details and Potential Deal
Unidentified sources close to the PNG Chiefs alleged the club may propose a four-year contract valued at about $3 million. The Titans’ decision to fast-track talks reflects an unusual willingness to allow a contracted player to explore rival offers before his contract expires. Marcus Bai, who sits on the Chiefs’ board, said he would step back from any involvement in his son’s negotiations to avoid a conflict of interest, emphasizing the board’s support for an independent process.
Official Reactions
Titans coach Josh Hannay and owner Rebecca Frizelle were thanked publicly for facilitating Bai’s discussions. The Storm and the Roosters, who previously attempted to sign Bai when he was off-contract, are reportedly monitoring the situation, though no official comment has been released.
Potential Impact on the NRL Landscape
If the Chiefs secure Bai’s signature, he would become the franchise’s eighth signing and could serve as a cornerstone for coach Willie Peters’ forward pack. The move would also highlight the growing influence of PNG-based clubs in the NRL talent market and could set a precedent for future cross-border negotiations involving Australian and Pacific teams.